Category: Patient support

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.

  • Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Holistic Cancer Care: Successful Webinar on Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management

The webinar “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Life Coordination” was successfully completed, presenting contemporary challenges and practices in holistic oncology care, patient navigation, and patients’ digital literacy.

The online educational initiative, organized by René Descartes College in collaboration with the Kapa3 Cancer Patient Guidance Center, highlighted the importance of a human-centered approach to cancer, patient navigation, digital innovation, and the enhancement of patients’ digital literacy, combining scientific knowledge with practical support at every stage of the disease.

Holistic cancer care integrates scientific knowledge with practical support at all stages of the disease, enhancing patient engagement and quality of life.

During the webinar, the speakers shared valuable insights and experiences:

Maria Gazouli, PhD – Professor of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine:
She emphasized that cancer is a chronic, multifactorial disease where quality of life is as important as survival. The holistic approach treats the person as a whole—physically, psychologically, socially, and environmentally—and requires an interdisciplinary team with active patient participation in every decision. She highlighted the importance of personalized medicine and the role of family support.

Dr. Christos A. Frantzidis – Assistant Professor, University of Lincoln:
He presented CREATE, a comprehensive digital system that transforms patients’ daily experiences into valuable knowledge for clinicians, supporting timely interventions and personalized care. He stressed that artificial intelligence does not replace humans but assists clinicians in safe decision-making, reduces workload, and improves patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Maria Lavdaniti, PhD – Professor of Clinical Nursing, International Hellenic University (IHU):
She underscored the critical role of the oncology nurse in administering therapies, managing symptoms, and providing psychosocial support to patients and their families. She emphasized the importance of continuous patient education, managing long-term side effects, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve quality of life.

Dr. Vasiliki Kapaki – Professor of Health Economics, René Descartes College:
She highlighted the role of technology in oncology, from prevention and screening to treatment and post-therapy care. She stressed that digital literacy is a prerequisite for health equity, enabling patients to understand risks, participate in decision-making, and safely follow their therapeutic pathways.

Evangelia Bista, PhD, Co-Founder of Kapa3:
She presented the work and mission of Kapa3, which supports over 7,000 families and 1,500 patients in Greece, offering guidance, information on patients’ rights, psychological support, and personalized digital tools. Her presentation included the main pillars of Kapa3’s work—website, request management, educational programs—as well as the organization’s 2026 action plans, such as Wellness in Motion, Cancer Wellness Open House Day, and digital innovations with AI and personalized service systems.

Ms. Bista highlighted that upgraded digital services with AI tools, such as Myrto, the first digital assistant/chatbot in Greece, part of Kapa3’s 2026 projects, will enable personalized services based on patient profiles, streamline processes, and reduce bureaucracy. It is clear that, combined with human guidance, the development of digital literacy is a key tool for equitable access, quality of life, and active patient engagement throughout the disease.

The webinar concluded with an open discussion and Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to interact with the speakers and exchange experiences. The initiative emphasized that technology and digital literacy do not replace humans but enhance guidance, safety, and equity in care, while holistic care remains at the center of every initiative.

We sincerely thank René Descartes College for hosting and flawlessly organizing the event, as well as all the outstanding speakers for sharing their knowledge and inspiration with the audience.

You can find some screenshots from the webinar below:

You can find the Press Release file here

Cancer: From Prevention to Life Coordination” – Event Announcement, Municipality of Megara & Kapa3

On the occasion of World Cancer Day (4 February), the Municipality of Megara and the Cancer Patient Navigation Center – Kapa3 are organizing the knowledge-focused event “Cancer: From Prevention to Life Coordination” on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 18:00, at the Municipal Council Hall of Megara City Hall.

The event aims to highlight that addressing cancer is not limited to medical treatment alone, but requires holistic care, proper guidance, and coordinated services, placing the individual, their family, and their social environment at the center.

The objective of the initiative is to emphasize the role of a Health Navigator in cancer management and to underline the importance of interdisciplinarity in oncology care, bringing together the expertise of physicians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, as well as civil society organizations such as Kapa3, which support patients and caregivers.

The event features the following speakers:

  • Georgios Nintos, Medical Oncologist, MD MSc – Cancer prevention and early diagnosis

  • Katerina Papakonstantinou, Obstetrician–Gynecologist Surgeon, MD MSc PhD – Prevention and gynecological cancer

  • Rojas Andrea Paola, Associate Professor of Biology, Department of Nursing, University of the Peloponnese – Nutrition and prevention

  • Maria Lavdaniti, Professor and Head of the Department of Nursing, International University – The role of oncology nursing in holistic cancer care

  • Penelope Vlotinou, Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of West Attica – Occupational therapy and patients’ daily life

  • Ioanna Sideri, Psychologist MSc, PhD(c), Department of Nursing, University of the Peloponnese – Psychological support for patients and caregivers

  • Grigoria Zacharogianni, Radiation Oncologist, MD MSc PhD, University of West Attica – Therapeutic options from diagnosis to recovery

The event is part of Kapa3’s ongoing presence in Megara and its constructive cooperation with the Municipality, as reflected in the operation of the Cancer Patient Navigation Counseling Station.

It is another opportunity to highlight community-based efforts supporting cancer patients and their families, strengthening awareness, prevention, and meaningful guidance.

Participation is open to health professionals, patients, relatives, and all interested citizens.
It is our great honor to welcome everyone who wishes to learn more about cancer care and holistic management and to take part in a dialogue of knowledge and solidarity, because only together can we build a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

January – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is internationally dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer. Known as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it aims to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cases of the disease.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 660,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year, and more than 350,000 women lose their lives to the disease. It is among the most common cancers affecting women, particularly in regions where access to preventive screening and vaccination is limited. At the same time, it is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through organized prevention and early detection programmes.

In Greece, available data indicate that around 700 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, while more than 280 deaths are attributed to the disease each year. The estimated incidence is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 women. Although this places Greece close to the European average, it also highlights the need for further improvement in prevention and early diagnosis.

Cervical cancer is closely linked to chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

HPV vaccination, combined with regular gynaecological screening through Pap tests and HPV tests, can significantly reduce the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In this context, the World Health Organization has set the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, through high vaccination coverage, universal screening, and timely treatment.

January serves as an important reminder that information and prevention save lives. Open discussion around women’s health, free from fear and stigma, empowers women to take care of themselves and to claim prevention as a fundamental right.

Special emphasis should be placed on the systematic education of younger generations, as prevention begins long before any symptoms appear. Access to reliable information, preventive screening services, and vaccination programmes is a key factor in reducing health inequalities and protecting future generations.

At KAPA3, we believe that information and prevention are core pillars of care and empowerment. Through the dissemination of reliable information and the support of initiatives that promote public health, we stand alongside every woman who needs knowledge, prevention, and timely care.

Because cervical cancer can be prevented, we encourage everyone to take action. Give a meaningful gift to the women you care about: daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, partners, spouses. Talk openly about women’s health, share information, support initiatives, challenge taboos, and promote early diagnostic screening.

Information and open dialogue are the strongest tools we have.

Sources:

World Health Organization (WHO)
Cervical cancer – Fact sheet

WHO – Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC / WHO)
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

ICO / IARC HPV Information Centre – Greece Factsheet

Ministry of Health – National Immunization Programme

Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY)
HPV and cervical cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 Supports Digital Innovation for Oncology Patients at Morning Health Talks

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, the second Morning Health Talk titled “Health Data for Innovation in Greece: Building a Stronger Digital Health Ecosystem” took place at the National Documentation Centre (EKT) in Athens. The event was held in a hybrid format (in-person and online participation), bringing together health professionals, researchers, policymakers and technology partners from Greece and abroad.

During the event, international and Greek experiences were presented on the management and use of health data, digital transformation, and best practices for leveraging data to strengthen the country’s digital health ecosystem.

Among the speakers were:

  • Dr Athanasios Batagiannis, General Director, 3-psi

  • Georgios Dimitriou, Cluster Manager, Hellenic Digital Health Cluster

  • Dr Ioannis Koumpouros, Director of DigInHealth, University of West Attica

  • Elpida Fotiadou, Head of eHealth, IDIKA

With the contribution of the distinguished speakers, key issues were discussed, including infrastructure interoperability, the need for reliable data, bureaucratic barriers, gaps in digital literacy, the development of focused platforms and processes, faster care pathways and needs assessment, the reduction of information fragmentation, and the development of human-centred digital solutions with practical value and social acceptance.

KAPA3 presented its strategic approach, focusing on standardised procedures, data quality improvement, interdisciplinarity, and the use of digital tools to support people living with cancer, as well as on guidance, interaction, empowerment and patient participation in data utilisation processes. At every step, KAPA3 addresses key challenges such as data fragmentation, stakeholder collaboration and human-centred digital solutions—issues that are also summarised in the Good Practices Guide developed within the eHealth4Cancer project.

In summary, the main points highlighted were:

  • A human-centred approach and the application of good practices to ensure the usability and social acceptance of digital solutions.

  • Strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers and citizens to develop reliable and functional digital infrastructures.

  • The need for systematic scientific research to address challenges such as skills gaps, limited access and data fragmentation.

The event provided an important opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange, promoting the alignment of digital health infrastructures with citizens’ needs and reinforcing KAPA3’s role as an active contributor to the digital transformation of healthcare in Greece.

Read the full Morning Health Talks 2025 press release here and view photos from the event.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

  • People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
  • Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
  • Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

  • Testing: a simple test can save lives.
  • Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
  • PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
  • Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
  • Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

  • UNAIDS
  • HIV.gov
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

In the five years since our establishment, thirty young people have had the opportunity to learn and grow through the Kapa3 Internship Programme.

International scientific literature highlights that internships are far more than a first work experience. They serve as a fundamental mechanism of experiential learning, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world professional contexts.

Through their involvement in a civil society organisation like Kapa3, interns developed reflective and critical thinking skills—core elements of modern professional education. By engaging with real needs and challenges, students strengthened their professional identity and gained a deeper understanding of their role as future practitioners in health and social services. In many cases, the internship at Kapa3 played a significant role in supporting their transition from university to the labour market, enhancing their confidence, social skills, and clarity of professional direction.

Furthermore, the structured field experiences offered opportunities to build professional networks, a key factor in long-term career development.

At Kapa3, the value of internships is evident across all aspects of our work. We strive to create an environment where students can deepen their academic knowledge, apply their skills to real cases, and map out the next steps of their careers with realism and self-awareness.

The result is a community of young professionals who are both socially conscious and scientifically equipped to contribute meaningfully to health and social care. We are proud to be at the forefront of education and warmly thank our partner universities for their trust and collaboration.

 

This Year’s Good-Luck Charm (2026): A Symbol of Self-Care

The Good Luck Charm of the Year (2026) for Kapa3: The Crown

A Symbol of Self-Care

This year’s good luck charm is dedicated to self-care — a small, daily reminder of the deep importance of tending to ourselves with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
In a time when everyday life becomes increasingly demanding, this charm reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It symbolizes all those small acts that keep us standing: the pause, the breath, the moment of rest; the warm embrace we offer ourselves. The choice to listen to our bodies, to acknowledge our limits, and to prioritize our health, joy, and inner balance.

And it is precisely this “pause” that led us to our good-luck charm for 2026: the Crown — a symbol that carries far more than what meets the eye.

In music, the crown (fermata) is the pause held by the performer —
the moment of emphasis before the melody continues.
So it is with every struggle: it requires breaths, pauses, small breaks — not to stop, but to continue.

A crown is also a circle. And a circle means you are not alone; around you are people, care, support — a circle that holds you.

If there were a title of honor for those who fight cancer, it would be a crown. Not as a symbol of power, but as a recognition of dignity.

Cancer can sometimes feel like a thorny wreath — heavy, painful, relentless.
And yet, depending on how we choose to face it, it can transform into a wreath of victory: the victory of persistence, endurance, return — and above all, the victory of effort.

Because behind every crown lies a story: of a parent, a friend, a child, a partner, someone who is fighting or supporting someone who fights.

That is why the crown is not just a piece of jewelry — it is a message of strength:

It is not what happens to us that defines us —
but how we choose to face it.

It reminds us that when we care for ourselves, we can truly care for others. That strength, well-being, and kindness begin within us.

May this year’s charm be a small talisman accompanying us each day, inspiring us to make space for what nourishes us, to embrace our vulnerability, and to celebrate our worth.

For a year filled with more care, more peace, and more love — beginning with ourselves.

Let’s fill our days with small acts that make a difference.
Let’s uplift one another.
Let’s turn self-care into a habit.

And for all of us at Kapa3, the invitation is simple: To weave self-care into our everyday lives.

Join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge

Inspired by this year’s charm — dedicated to self-care — we invite you to join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge, a collective action that brings us together through moments of care, calm, and mindfulness.

How the challenge works:

  1. Take one small self-care action during your day.
    It can be something simple: a walk, a breathing break, a warm cup of tea, a few minutes away from screens, journaling your thoughts, a hug you needed.

  2. Capture a photo or write a few words that reflect that moment.

  3. Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #kapa3gouri.

  4. Tag two friends to keep the chain of self-care going.

Our goal is not the “perfect” image — but the daily reminder that we deserve time, space, and care. Each post becomes a small mosaic of tenderness toward ourselves.
A collective message that wellbeing begins within.

For 2026, choose the Crown — as a symbol of hope, strength, and dignity.
Wear it. Offer it. Share its power.

Thank you for being part of this journey.


The Kapa3 Team

 

 

World Pancreatic Cancer Day – 13 November

Every November, World Pancreatic Cancer Day reminds us that behind every statistic there is a life—a life often challenged by one of the most silent yet aggressive forms of cancer.

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization and GLOBOCAN 2022, pancreatic cancer accounts for over 510,000 new cases and 467,000 deaths every year globally.
In Greece, the disease now ranks among the top five cancers in women and the top seven in men, with incidence steadily increasing in recent decades.

Early detection remains a major challenge, as symptoms—such as persistent abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice—often emerge only in advanced stages. Yet prevention can make a difference: avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and having regular medical check‑ups are all key steps in protecting pancreatic health.

The disease may also present with digestive changes or the sudden onset of diabetes without obvious cause—signals that warrant prompt attention.

Today is not just about raising awareness—it’s also about supporting patients and their families. With more knowledge, open communication with doctors, and access to specialized care, we can make a difference.

At KAPA3, we join the global community to emphasise that every story matters, and that prevention and early diagnosis can save lives.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for KAPA3

 

“Kapa3–University Research Lab Collaboration Honored at the Bravo Sustainability Dialogue & Awards 2024”

The University Research Laboratory “Care of Adult Cancer Patients” of the Department of Nursing at the International Hellenic University (IHU), in collaboration with Kapa3, was honored at the Bravo Sustainability Dialogue & Awards 2024 for its contribution to supporting oncology patients and their families.

The award ceremony took place on December 2, 2024, at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, under the auspices of the Quality Net Foundation. The award was received by Maria Lavdaniti, Director of the Laboratory, together with Evangelia Bista, Development Manager of Kapa3.

The initiative was recognized under the Society pillar, specifically within the thematic category “Quality of Life & Volunteering Actions”, highlighting the importance of academic outreach, as well as the training and hands-on engagement of final-year students and graduates in real-world settings.

Kapa3 played a key role in the development and promotion of the initiative, placing strong emphasis on strengthening social innovation in the health sector. Its core objective was to improve the quality of life of patients and their families through meaningful, community-focused interventions.

The Quality Net Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable development in Greece since 1997, through the Bravo Sustainability Dialogue & Awards institution, showcases initiatives that support a sustainable future, in collaboration with organizations, businesses, local authorities, and civil society.

The Kapa3 team would like to warmly thank the International Hellenic University for the collaboration and the Quality Net Foundation for recognizing this important initiative, which reaffirms our commitment to developing innovative solutions that promote sustainability and social cohesion.

View photo material from the event

 

With kind regards,
On behalf of the entire Kapa3 team

Translation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3