Press Release Archives

MELODIC Online Symposium: completion of the pilot training phase and strengthening psychosocial cancer care

The European project MELODIC (Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer), in which the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participates, is being implemented through distinct development phases. The pilot training programme for healthcare professionals is one of its core components, and within this framework, the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, taking place on 24 April 2026, marks the completion of this educational phase.

The MELODIC project framework

MELODIC is a European project co-funded by the European Union, aiming to strengthen the mental health of young adults living with cancer, as well as to support their families. Through the collaboration of universities, research institutions and healthcare organizations across Europe, the project develops training and support tools for healthcare professionals.

More information about the project and its progress is available on the official Kapa3 website, in the dedicated project section.

The pilot training programme

The pilot training programme focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in providing psychosocial support to young adults with cancer and their families.

As part of the programme, online sessions and contact lessons were delivered, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the practical application of tools in everyday clinical practice.

MELODIC Online Symposium 2026

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, a two-hour event, brings together participants from all partner countries and includes:

opening presentations from the European Cancer Organisation and Youth Cancer Europe
an “experts by experience” panel, where individuals share their lived experience
a networking panel with healthcare professionals from participating countries
discussion on how training can be applied in clinical practice
a closing session by the project coordination team

From training to clinical practice

A key objective of the MELODIC training programme is to strengthen the psychosocial dimension of cancer care, with particular focus on young adults.

The exchange of experiences among healthcare professionals contributes to more holistic approaches to care and supports the integration of psychosocial support into daily clinical practice.

The role of Kapa3

Kapa3 actively participates in the European MELODIC consortium, contributing to the implementation of the training activities and the dissemination of results in Greece. Through this involvement, the connection between scientific knowledge and the support of cancer patients is further strengthened, promoting the development of practical approaches to psychosocial care.

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 marks the transition from the pilot training phase to the next stage of utilizing its outcomes, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application in cancer care.

The Press Release here: PRESS-RELEASE-MELODIC SYMPOSIUM

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 partners with PRAXI Network (FORTH) to boost international networking and access to European funding opportunities

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its partnership with the PRAXI Network of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), within the framework of the European Digital Innovation Hub smartHEALTH: European Digital Innovation Hub for Smart Health – Precision Medicine and Innovative e-Health Services.

This collaboration is part of the broader Digital Europe Programme 2021–2027 and aims to strengthen Kapa3’s participation in research, innovation, and health policy initiatives, focusing on improving services and enhancing the quality of life of oncology patients.

Within this partnership, Kapa3 will receive substantial support in identifying and leveraging funding opportunities through systematic information and expert guidance on available programmes at European, national, and regional level, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Erasmus+, and EIT Health. At the same time, its capacity to actively participate in competitive proposals and collaborative projects will be reinforced, expanding its potential to develop innovative initiatives in the health sector.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the development of strategic partnerships with universities, research centres, and healthcare organisations across Europe. Through targeted support in partner identification and the exploration of synergies, Kapa3 strengthens its position within the European research and innovation ecosystem, creating opportunities for participation in international consortia.

In parallel, the collaboration contributes to enhancing the organisation’s international presence and networking capacity through participation in thematic conferences, brokerage events, and matchmaking initiatives in the fields of public health, digital health, social innovation, and patient-centred care.

This Kapa3 PRAXI Network partnership is expected to act as a catalyst for strengthening Kapa3’s outward-looking orientation and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as an active and dynamic stakeholder in the field of health and patient support at both national and European level.

The support services are provided within the smartHEALTH framework and are co-funded by European and national resources.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Press release source: PRESS-RELEASE-PRAXI-Network-–-FORTH

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 and Karkinaki join forces to support children, adolescents, and families living with cancer

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the non-profit organization “Karkinaki”, aiming to strengthen information, psychosocial support, and awareness around childhood and adolescent cancer, as well as to support families experiencing the disease.

Karkinaki is a specialized organization working in the field of childhood and adolescent cancer, focusing on reliable information, empowering parents and caregivers, and fostering a supportive environment around children and teenagers affected by cancer. Through community-based actions and awareness initiatives, it seeks to reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies diagnosis, while also enhancing understanding, social awareness, and access to available support resources for families.

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations will develop joint initiatives focused on information and awareness-raising, with an emphasis on actions addressing both families and healthcare and support professionals. The partnership will also include the co-organization of informational events, the exchange of good practices, and the exploration of participation in national and European programs that promote a holistic approach to patient care, with an emphasis on continuity of support across all stages of the disease experience.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, providing practical support and access to reliable information and services. At the same time, it develops initiatives that strengthen patients’ active participation in managing their health and promotes a more accessible and human-centered model of care.

In this context, Kapa3 is also involved in European collaborations focusing on the psychosocial dimension of cancer across different stages of life, such as the MELODIC project, which addresses the mental health of young adults with lived experience of cancer. This work further enhances the organization’s ability to recognize needs that emerge throughout the cancer journey, from childhood to adulthood.

This collaboration with Karkinaki reflects the shared vision of both organizations to strengthen a support network that goes beyond medical treatment, extending into families’ daily lives, information access, and psychosocial empowerment, with the aim of providing a more stable and meaningful presence for those who need it most.

Our Press Release here: KARKINAKI PRESS RELEASE

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 announces collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant)

The Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center announces its collaboration with SimasiaAI, for the co-development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant), an artificial intelligence (AI chatbot) designed to enhance digital cancer support for patients with cancer and their families through immediate, reliable, and personalized information.

This initiative is part of Kapa3’s strategic focus on leveraging innovative digital tools to improve access to information, strengthen guidance, and reduce the digital gap often faced by vulnerable groups in the healthcare sector.

The Health Navigator “Myrto” is not just an information tool, but a new form of social artificial intelligence in cancer care support in Greece. It is designed to transform digital information into a more human, accessible, and meaningful experience, allowing users to interact, receive guidance, and access support tailored to their needs.

Through its dual role as a “Patient Empowerment e-Navigator”, the system will function both as a Patient Advocate—providing guidance on patient rights, benefits, and access to healthcare and social services—and as a Health Navigator, offering reliable information to support better understanding and self-management of health-related issues.

At the same time, the Health Navigator “Myrto” aims to enhance health literacy, support the psychosocial dimension of the disease, and highlight available community resources, contributing to the reduction of inequalities in access to information.

Kapa3, with its long-standing experience in guiding and supporting cancer patients, continues to invest in initiatives that promote equal access to information and digital empowerment, utilizing technology with a strong social and human-centered approach.

The collaboration between Kapa3 and SimasiaAI leads to the development and integration of the Health Navigator “Myrto” into Kapa3’s platform, highlighting the importance of cooperation between social organizations and technology providers in creating innovative digital support tools for cancer patients. Through this initiative, the goal is to meaningfully empower patients, support healthcare professionals, and advance more human-centered digital services.

The development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” marks an important step toward a new model of digital care, where artificial intelligence complements human support, enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Our Press Release text here: PRESS RELEASE SIMASIA AI

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 joins the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC)

The Cancer Patient Guidance Center – Kapa3 is pleased to announce its participation in the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC), strengthening its connection with the Greek digital health ecosystem.

The Kapa3 HDHC collaboration marks the organization’s active integration into a dynamic innovation network. Through this partnership, Kapa3 gains access to a network of 47 innovative organizations, as well as the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), aiming to enhance the quality of support services for cancer patients.

The HDHC brings together and connects leading organizations, businesses, and research institutions in the field of digital health in Greece, providing a framework for networking, collaborations, and innovative projects, as well as access to funding and investment opportunities. Its mission is to empower the Greek digital health ecosystem, with the goal of positioning Greece among the leading countries in the sector internationally within the next decade.

Through its participation in HDHC, Kapa3 further strengthens its mission to support cancer patients by adopting modern, technology-driven approaches and innovative practices. As a member, the organization gains the opportunity to take part in events, working groups, and collaborative initiatives, while fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise with other stakeholders in the ecosystem.

At the same time, this participation creates opportunities for Kapa3 to actively contribute to the development of a sustainable and forward-looking digital health ecosystem in Greece, promoting collaboration, innovation, and shared perspectives towards institutional strengthening of the sector. It also provides access to emerging technologies and best practices that can improve patient experience and enhance the effectiveness of care services.

Through this collaboration, Kapa3 reinforces its role as an organization that connects cancer patient support with the ongoing developments in digital health in Greece and internationally, building bridges between care, technology, and innovation for the community it serves.

You can download our Press Release here

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Evangeli Bista on DION TV: Social Support and Kapa3’s Role in Guiding Oncology Patients

On March 19, 2026, Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3, gave an interview to Christos Thanasainas, journalist and Scientific Director of Forlife Clinic, on Central Macedonia’s DION TV, during the daily program All About Health, which covers topics on health, nutrition, autoimmune diseases, and recent scientific developments.

The discussion highlighted the importance of social support for cancer patients and their families, both inside and outside the hospital, as well as the critical role of Kapa3 in guiding and providing holistic support to patients.

WHAT IS SOCIAL SUPPORT – TWO WORLDS:

Social support in cancer care is not a single, uniform concept. Inside the hospital, it mainly concerns assistance with the public healthcare system and bureaucratic procedures. Outside the hospital, real life begins: family, caregivers, and decisions the patient must make.

MAJOR SYSTEM CHALLENGES:

As Ms. Bista noted, hospitals face a significant shortage of social workers and related professionals. International literature suggests that there should be 10 social workers for every 2,500 residents—but this is not the case in Greece. In 92 municipalities, there is not a single social worker, while in areas where social workers exist, most are on fixed-term contracts or funded through programs (such as ESIF). The result is a maze of bureaucracy and uncertainty for the patient, who must understand medical and legal terms, make critical decisions, and manage financial consequences—often without support.

THE ROLE OF KAPA3 – SOLUTION, NOT JUST A SERVICE:

In this environment, Kapa3 provides holistic guidance and support, helping patients navigate procedural and practical issues—either independently, if they feel capable, or with active assistance from the organization at every step. Coverage is nationwide, although the complexity and fragmented structure of the system require ongoing study and time for effective support.

THE “HEAVY” MESSAGE – UNDERSTANDING VS. INFORMATION:

As Ms. Bista emphasized:

“The patient doesn’t need more information – they need understanding.”

The process is essentially behavioral: understanding reduces uncertainty, uncertainty reduces anxiety, anxiety affects behavior, and behavior determines health outcomes.

Kapa3 operates within this “maze,” offering holistic guidance and support. Intervention can be supportive, giving patients the ability to act on their own, or active, guiding them step by step. Kapa3 covers the entire country, addressing the growing needs of patients.

THE BIG CHALLENGE: “MYRTO”

“Myrto” represents Kapa3’s major initiative for 2026. After five years in oncology social support, Kapa3 addresses secondary digital exclusion with “Myrto”—a Digital Health Navigator designed to transform knowledge into practical understanding and provide real-time guidance for patients, avoiding the “chaotic wandering” through the healthcare system. The platform is currently in the study and design phase, aiming to meet the real needs of patients and their caregivers.

The interview highlighted the importance of social support, understanding over mere information, and the role of digital technology in modern oncology care. Kapa3 and Myrto strive to bring care from the hospital into patients’ daily lives through a holistic, personalized, and practical approach.

For more information and to watch the full interview, see the video on YouTube here.

(Note: Video in Greek with no English subtitles).

You can dowload our Press Release here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3’s Contribution to the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia: Digital Health, Empathy, and Patient Navigation

With active participation in a well-established scientific meeting on contemporary nursing issues, Kapa3 took part in the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia on “Innovation and Empathy: Balancing Technology with Human Contact in Nursing”, held on March 19–20, 2026, in Ptolemaida.

The Symposium, now a key annual event for the nursing community, serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and highlighting the multifaceted role of nurses in modern healthcare.

As part of the thematic session “Innovation and Citizen Engagement: Creating Accessible Tools with Empathy”, Ms. Evangeli Bista, co-founder of Kapa3, joined the panel along with Ms. Pisti Krystallidou, President of the NGO WinCancer, showcasing the role of civil society in shaping contemporary, accessible healthcare services.

On March 20, Ms. Evangeli Bista and Ms. Pisti Krystallidou actively participated in the Round Table on the same theme. Ms. Krystallidou presented “Empathy in Practice: What the Caregiver Gains from Health Professionals”, highlighting the daily challenges and support needs of people caring for patients. Ms. Bista emphasized Kapa3’s role and the use of digital tools in guiding patients effectively.

During her presentation, Ms. Bista outlined how the healthcare system is transforming: from episodic care to continuous support, from hospital-centered services to daily-life integration, and from the healthcare professional as the sole source of knowledge to the patient as an active participant. In this new environment, digital health and patient navigation go beyond mere tools, focusing on the citizen’s ability to use them meaningfully in everyday life.

Special attention was given to the needs of oncology patients, who require not only access to information but also guidance through a complex healthcare system—knowing where to turn, what they are entitled to, and how to manage critical decisions in daily life. In this context, the importance of patient navigation was highlighted, a model that Kapa3 has implemented since its foundation, acting as a bridge between available services and patients’ real needs.

Finally, the digital social assistant “Myrto” was presented, serving as a single reference point for patients, facilitating access to information and services, and translating knowledge into practical, everyday support.

Kapa3’s participation in the Symposium highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with empathy, confirming that the future of oncology care is not only about personalized treatment but also about personalized understanding of each patient’s needs.

Download our Press Release here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 at the Scientific Meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions” – Focusing on Supportive Care and Its Limits

At the scientific meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions”, held on March 13–14, 2026 at the Divani Caravel, Kapa3 actively contributed to discussions on supportive care for oncology patients, a critical area for improving quality of life and holistic patient support.

The meeting was organized by the Hellenic Oncology Patient Support Institute, under the chairmanship of Christos Panopoulos, and was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Cancer Society and the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists. It has become a recognized annual event for the oncology community, highlighting each year the latest challenges and rapid developments in the field.

Progress in oncology is continuous and impressive, with scientific advances steadily enhancing the possibilities for personalized treatment, while simultaneously improving patients’ quality of life and turning some forms of cancer into manageable chronic conditions.

During the two-day meeting, key developments were presented in critical areas such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, and novel therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence and molecular analysis in modern clinical practice.

Kapa3 participated in the roundtable on supportive care for oncology patients, held on Friday, March 13, represented by Ms. Evangeli Bista. She noted that attending the conference gave her the opportunity to engage with people leading initiatives in patient support and advocacy. The roundtable addressed critical topics such as the role of healthcare professionals, pain management in Greece, and the adequacy of existing care structures.

In the discussion on psychosocial support, Ms. Bista, representing Kapa3 and drawing from her daily experience with oncology patients, emphasized that addressing the challenges arising from the patient journey is particularly demanding, as the high volume of cases and the fragmentation of the healthcare and social support system create exponentially more issues to manage.

When asked whether voluntary work alone is sufficient to meet the growing needs of patients, her response was clear:

…voluntary action is a valuable and essential pillar of social support. The improvement of patients’ quality of life relies heavily on voluntary efforts that take place across the country under challenging conditions. However, it is not sufficient on its own to meet the complex and increasing needs of patients.

As highlighted during the discussion, voluntary contributions are crucial for filling gaps in the system and strengthening social protection. At the same time, a more comprehensive and institutionally supported approach is necessary. This includes:

• adequate and stable funding
• continuous training and empowerment of all stakeholders
• clear and functional legal frameworks
• a shift in mindset among healthcare professionals, patients, and administrators
• and the development of integrated policies in the field of supportive care

Kapa3’s intervention underscored the importance of psychosocial support as an integral part of oncology supportive care, promoting a more holistic, humane, and sustainable approach to patient management. As Ms. Bista noted, participating in the two-day meeting serves as a reminder that the fight to support patients requires all of us on the same side.

Collaboration between the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece

Kapa3 – Sarcoma Fighters Collaboration

Aiming to enhance awareness, support, and networking for patients living with sarcoma in Greece, the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is launching a new collaboration with the Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece.

Sarcomas are rare forms of cancer that develop in the connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, and soft tissues, often requiring specialized and multidisciplinary approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to contribute to broader disease awareness and to amplify the voice of patients and their families.

As part of this partnership, the organizations plan to develop joint awareness and education initiatives, co-organize conferences and events, and explore opportunities for collaboration in national and European programs. Additionally, the exchange of knowledge and experience will be pursued on issues related to patient support and the promotion of access to quality healthcare services.

The Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece was founded in December 2025 in Athens with the mission of informing, supporting, and empowering patients with sarcoma and their families, as well as advocating for their rights. Representing a community facing a rare and often complex type of cancer, the Association seeks to raise public awareness, develop partnerships with the scientific community, and implement initiatives that contribute to improved patient care and quality of life. With the central message “No one alone anymore”, the Sarcoma Fighters aim to create a network of information, solidarity, and support for everyone affected by sarcoma in Greece.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is committed to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, and to promoting initiatives that improve the daily lives of patients and their families. Through awareness campaigns, support services, and collaborations with the scientific community and civil society organizations, Kapa3 strives to foster a more informed, supportive, and human-centered care environment for all.

This collaboration, which we welcome with great enthusiasm, highlights the importance of partnerships between patient organizations and civil society actors, reinforcing the shared effort to provide better awareness, stronger patient representation, and improved quality of life for all those affected by cancer.

New Collaboration between Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS)

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), strengthening synergies between organizations active in the field of health and patient support.

This collaboration aims to develop joint initiatives that will contribute to raising awareness, promoting public information, and providing meaningful support to people living with chronic conditions, with particular focus on cancer patients and persons living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the two organizations seek to strengthen actions that promote equal access to information, healthcare services and social inclusion for patients.

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by providing reliable information, practical guidance and access to benefits and services. At the same time, the organization develops initiatives that enhance patients’ awareness of their rights and promote their psychosocial empowerment. Through initiatives such as Mobile Units, digital tools and educational programmes, Kapa3 promotes a patient-centred approach to cancer care, encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and quality of life, while fostering collaborations with organizations working in the fields of health and social support.

The Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS) is a secondary non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the aim of uniting and supporting primary associations of persons with Multiple Sclerosis across Greece, while also raising awareness about the disease among the wider public. The Federation currently brings together nine primary patient associations from across the country. HFoPwMS implements awareness and advocacy initiatives related to Multiple Sclerosis and works to ensure the equal participation of people with MS in the educational, professional, athletic and cultural life of the country. It is a member of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations plan to develop joint initiatives such as the organization of conferences, workshops and awareness events, the implementation of information and public awareness campaigns, participation in national and European programmes, as well as the development of joint research initiatives on issues related to patients’ quality of life. The partnership will also contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among organizations active in the health sector.

This new collaboration reflects the shared vision of the two organizations to strengthen the voice of patients and promote a society that respects, supports and empowers people living with chronic conditions.