PRESS RELEASE Archives

Kapa3 at the Patients Summit 2025: A strong voice for cancer patients and their families

The Patients Summit 2025—the annual nationwide meeting organized by the Hellenic Patients Association—was successfully completed with great success. The event has become the leading forum for dialogue and collaboration among patient organizations across Greece. This year’s conference brought together representatives of patient associations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to strengthen the voice of patients and shape a more humane, participatory, and effective healthcare system.

Participants exchanged experiences, presented best practices, and discussed key issues such as sustainability of patient associations, access to innovative treatments, the use of digital health tools, and patient empowerment in decision-making.

Through thematic panels and interactive workshops, the event highlighted the need for cooperation, transparency, and the use of data to drive targeted solutions with real social impact.

Kapa3 actively participated in the Summit, representing cancer patients and their families. A highlight of its presence was its contribution to the Strategic Workshop: “How do we measure our value?”, where Kapa3 presented its approach and operational philosophy on data collection and utilization as a tool for developing innovative initiatives.

For Kapa3, data collection is a key process in understanding the real needs of its beneficiaries. As emphasized during the session, data analysis—conducted in collaboration with the organization’s biostatistician, Mr. Konstantinos Tzanas—helps Kapa3 design targeted and evidence-based strategies. Continuous evaluation by patients themselves enables the adaptation of services and the development of innovative solutions that have a tangible, positive impact on their lives.

Kapa3’s presence at the Patients Summit 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration, scientific evidence, and collective action. The organization remains committed to amplifying the voice of cancer patients through knowledge, innovation, and transparency—values that can truly transform the patient experience and contribute to a fairer, more humane healthcare system for all.

KAPA3 at the ESMO Congress: Inspiration and Confirmation That We Are Moving Towards the Future

From October 17 to 20, we attended the ESMO World Congress in Berlin. The event stood out for the active participation of the Greek medical community, which led presentations on clinical data, Real-World Evidence, and up-to-date education in collaboration with the global oncology community. At the same time, Greek teams received awards in various areas (medical, nursing, institutional), inspiring us all with hope for the ongoing developments in oncology care.

Our main goal as KAPA3 was to focus on research addressing the real needs of the population within the framework of the global community. Collaborating with healthcare professionals from around the world allowed us to gather valuable knowledge and experiences. The intensive sessions and discussions broadened our understanding and prompted reflection on the next steps.

Key challenges identified for the patient advocacy community were:

Mandatory multidisciplinary assessment before starting treatment
No patient should begin treatment without undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment, including an oncology nurse, social scientist, and psychologist. This should be considered the minimum standard for all cancer patients.
Certification and quality of multidisciplinary teams
It is our duty to ensure that these teams meet quality standards. Their certification is undoubtedly complex. However, for us at KAPA3, multidisciplinary care is a fundamental criterion for service provision and must be certified. Quality care can significantly improve patient outcomes, as shown by clinical studies and research presented at this year’s congress, with potential improvements in overall survival of up to 10% (Sweden).

We are deeply proud that our work is guided by these standards precisely. In an era of remarkable progress in medicine and new therapies, we continue to strengthen the institution of research and multidisciplinary care, ensuring accessibility and patient-centered approaches aimed at quality of life.

This is the third time we have presented our efforts at an ESMO congress, in collaboration with the International University and the Nursing Department, highlighting our presence at every level. Meanwhile, trainings for other healthcare professionals take place annually within our organization in collaboration with Greek universities.

For Greek patients and their environment, we have not yet reached a point where the quality of care is considered a key objective for the entire oncology community. Our aim is to align with efforts across Europe so that, in the future, multidisciplinary assessments from the first day of diagnosis become standard practice within therapeutic protocols.

At KAPA3, we understand that quality care, inherently multidisciplinary, requires collective effort and collaboration between organizations and professionals to determine the best possible standards.

Kapa3 honored with Gold Award at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025 NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare

A major distinction was awarded to the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3, which received the Gold Award in the category “NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare” at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the awards recognize organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship and social impact. The ceremony took place on October 14th at the Anais Club, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, SEV-VIAN, and SETE.

This award highlights Kapa3’s consistent commitment to holistic cancer care, offering free psychosocial guidance, empowerment programs, educational activities, social reintegration initiatives, and innovative digital tools.

Evangelia Bista, President and Founder of Kapa3, stated:

“More than a success, this distinction is a reminder of our values — collaboration, quality, dedication, empathy, and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this exceptional team whose integrity, tireless effort, and shared vision make a difference for our patients. This award belongs to them.”

Since its establishment, Kapa3 has supported more than 10,000 patients and families, while over 1,000 new users visit its website daily for reliable information and guidance. Through scientific evidence, digital innovation, and strong partnerships with public and European stakeholders, Kapa3 promotes a new model of cancer care based on equality, dignity, and inclusion.

As Ms. Bista noted:

“One swallow can make a spring — if you believe in it. And at Kapa3, we’ve been believing it for years, against all odds. We believe.”

“This recognition gives us renewed energy to pursue our mission with dedication, to remain on the frontlines for patients and their families, and to commit every day to improving the support we provide.”

Kapa3 at the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” Conference

Kapa3 at the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” Conference – Highlighting the Social Dimension of Health and Palliative Care

From October 3 to 5, 2025, the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” conference took place at the Electra Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki, featuring hybrid participation and attracting dozens of healthcare professionals from across Greece. Attendance averaged around 70 participants per hour, reflecting strong interest in both scientific advancements and social aspects of lung cancer care.

At the Round Table “Social and Economic Determinants of Health: The Kapa3 Model” (October 5, 09:00–10:15), Evageli Bista and Anastasia Fragkedaki presented Kapa3’s patient-centered care model, which integrates psychosocial support, information, and empowerment for patients and caregivers.

The discussion focused on the patient’s social context, the impact of socio-economic factors on health outcomes, and the critical importance of palliative care, particularly in Northern Greece where dedicated resources remain limited. Reference was also made to the pilot program “OIKOTHEN”, implemented in collaboration with Kapa3, currently supporting four patients and receiving highly positive feedback, with plans to expand in the future.

Kapa3’s presence at the conference drew notable interest from healthcare professionals, helping to disseminate the organization’s work and philosophy across new scientific communities and healthcare institutions.

Through active participation in key scientific events nationwide, Kapa3 continues to promote the principles of holistic care, collaboration, and solidarity in the fight against cancer.

Kapa3 Highlights the Psychosocial Dimension of Cancer at the Oichalia Event “The Optimistic Side of Cancer”

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Kapa3 – the Cancer Guidance Centre – took part in the event “The Optimistic Side of Cancer”, held at the Maria Callas Cultural Centre in Oichalia, organized by the Municipality of Oichalia and the Region of Peloponnese.

The event brought together health professionals, patient organizations, and representatives of local authorities to discuss new perspectives on cancer treatment and survivorship.

Representing Kapa3, Evageli Bista, Head of Development and Operations, participated in the thematic panel “Psychosocial impacts on patients and their close environment” (19:15), delivering a talk on “Psychosocial challenges for patients and caregivers.”

Alongside Ms. Bista, the panel included insightful contributions from Dr. Maria Chaniotou, oncologist, and Ms. Eleni Papadopoulou, psychologist, who shared their professional experience and emphasized the importance of coordinated care and emotional support for people living with cancer.

Through her presentation, Ms. Bista underlined the crucial role of psychosocial support in empowering both patients and caregivers to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

By participating in this inspiring event, Kapa3 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting solidarity, evidence-based knowledge, and holistic care as key pillars in the journey toward well-being and recovery.

Kapa3 participation in the MELODIC consortium meeting in Lisbon

We are delighted to announce that Kapa3 had the opportunity to take part in the recent MELODIC consortium meeting, which was held in Lisbon. Although our participation was online, it was in real time, and our team contributed actively to the discussions, which focused on the development of the training program for healthcare professionals and the design of the intervention study, both aiming to support the mental health of young adults living with cancer.

The MELODIC project, funded by the EU4HEALTH program with a total budget of €1.8 million, addresses a critical yet often overlooked issue: the mental health of young adults aged 18–35 living with cancer.

During the meeting, partners exchanged experiences and findings from European research and interviews with healthcare professionals, families, and young adults with cancer. These insights strengthened collaboration and the formulation of strategies for timely psychosocial support.

Next spring, the project will launch the intervention phase, focusing on social prescribing and the use of green and blue spaces—harnessing the power of nature and community to promote well-being.

Kapa3 continues to work closely with its European partners to ensure a meaningful impact on the lives of young adults facing cancer.

Melodic, A New European Project Supporting the Mental Health of Young Adults with Cancer

At Kapa3, we know that healing goes far beyond the body. A cancer diagnosis in young
adulthood — just as life is beginning to unfold — often leaves deep emotional marks. That’s
why we’re proud to participate in MELODIC, a new European initiative dedicated to
supporting the mental health of young adults (18–30) living with or after cancer.

The project Melodic brings together 13 partners from 6 European countries, including patient organizations, universities, and healthcare experts. Coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland), MELODIC aims to co-design innovative digital tools, peer
support models, and educational workshops that reflect the actual needs and voices of
young people affected by cancer.

Kapa3 joined the project in 2024, and our role is to bring Greek patients’ perspectives to
the table while also ensuring that everything we co-create reaches the people who need it
most — especially here in Greece.

We believe that mental well-being is not a luxury, but a vital part of cancer care. Over the next two years, we’ll be working closely with survivors, caregivers, professionals, and youth groups to build safe spaces for expression, support, and growth.

Want to learn more? Visit our website and check out the new MELODIC subpage to see how
we’re working to make a difference — and how you can get involved.

Together, we can make mental health care more humane, inclusive, and empowering.
Because no one should face cancer — or life after it — alone.

Read more on Melodic project: Melodic Project Mental Health on YAC

New modern facilities of the non-profit organization KAPA3

With immense joy and pride, we announce that the non-profit organization Kapa3, with a mission to offer to people suffering from Cancer, will continue the creative and productive work from the new, modern offices at 13 Kostis Palamas Street, Athens.

Το ΚΑΠΑ3, is an organization that aims to support and inform people suffering from cancer, and their families, regarding their accessibility to the beneficial provisions of the current legislation, as well as the utilization of existing structures and services that operate for this purpose throughout the Greek territory. The organization and the members of the organization believe that people with cancer and their families should have access to accurate information at the time they need it. The organization’s website and the free kapa3 app (available on smartphone, tablet, Android, and iOS), operate as a guide to specific Rights and Benefits.

Improving the quality of life for Cancer patients is a top priority for the Kapa3 organization. A team of professionals supports patients in all procedural matters outside and inside the hospitals. The measurement of social impact had excellent results with 91% of patients stating that the presence of the service was instrumental in making their daily life easier.

The Movable Groups operate from the Theagenio Cancer Hospital of Thessaloniki and the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, covering the region of Macedonia – Thrace and beyond, while their aim is to improve the quality of life of oncology patients and to provide new prospects for social integration, social protection, and employment. Soon we will be able to announce new “Information and Management” groups.

The Movable Units started their work with the foundational donation of TIMA Public Benefit Foundation https://www.timafoundation.org/el/ which supports Greek non-profit organizations that contribute to social improvement with a focus on the Elderly.

Kapa3, in three years of operation, has employed more than 15 people, while it has been the first preference in the choice of graduates of social support professionals, in the context of their internship, resulting in the strengthening of the action groups and its network, with more than 25 students. In addition, it has proceeded to establish collaborations with Universities in Northern Greece and beyond, as well as with Research Laboratories of Medical Departments of Universities in the country and abroad, in an effort to improve and scientifically approach and document activities and services provided to cancer patients throughout the country..

On the basis of the activation of the organization’s new offices and according to the needs of its beneficiaries and employees, another step is taken to encourage the development and expansion of the organization’s network, through proper cooperation, flexibility, empowerment, trust, and equality. “The beneficiaries and partners of the organization find support at all levels and thus are encouraged to be the best version of themselves in an environment that is built based on the vision and mission of the organization”, said by, Ms. Bista Evangeli, Development and Operations Manager of Kapa3.“In an environment where each of us feels cared of, supported, and connected, with a strong sense of ownership, the organization’s growth is taken for granted,” she added.

In addition, Ms. Bista emphasized that the organization’s new offices are made possible with the valuable support of the company “THENAMARIS” which she thanked for its valuable assistance.

“The contribution to our community is at the forefront for the company, leaving a strong, continuous, and positive social footprint that meets the specific features and needs of Greek society. Moreover, the ability to respond to challenges, to anticipate and adapt to the “seas and storms” is a warranty of viability for us and an important partner in the work and contribution of Kapa3“, Ms. Bista concluded.