Quality Care Archives

World Self-Care Day (July 24): The Importance of Self-Care on the Journey with Cancer.

July 24 has been designated as World Self-Care Day. This symbolic date (7/24) was chosen to remind us all of something very basic: that taking care of ourselves is a process that deserves to continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At the Cancer Patient Support Center, this day takes on a deeper and more meaningful significance. Self-care is not merely a luxury or a passing trend, but a valuable tool for physical, mental, and emotional empowerment—both for patients undergoing treatment and for their caregivers.

What does “self-care” mean?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is defined as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain well-being, and manage illness with or even without the support of a health professional.

This is an active commitment to ourselves, which includes:

1. Healthy daily habits: proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and moderate physical activity (always in consultation with your treating physician)

2. Prevention and responsibility: consistent medication adherence, regular preventive checkups, and following medical instructions.

3. Mental and emotional balance: recognizing personal boundaries, managing stress, accepting our emotions, and seeking help wherever and whenever we need it.

4. Health and health literacy: responsibly staying informed about our health status from reliable sources.

Self-Care in the Cancer Experience

For someone who has experienced cancer, self-care takes on a very personal character. It does not mean that “one must do everything on one’s own.” On the contrary, it is essential to:

• Listen to their body, without feeling guilty about the need for rest

• Take care of their emotional well-being. Allow themselves to feel every emotion—fear, fatigue, but also hope. Psychological support is considered one of the most important acts of self-care.

• Build a support network. It is absolutely essential to allow loved ones or specialized professionals to support them.

Caring for Caregivers

World Self-Care Day is equally dedicated to those who care for patients—family members, partners, and friends. People who stand by patients often tend to neglect their own needs, thereby driving themselves to physical and mental exhaustion. This day serves as a reminder that caring for caregivers is not selfish but an urgent necessity.

For caregivers to practice self-care in practice, they must first set boundaries, as they do not need to bear the entire burden alone. At the same time, it is important for them to acknowledge their emotions without judgment, accepting that fatigue, anger, and frustration are normal reactions. It is equally essential to set aside personal time. Fifteen to thirty minutes a day for a walk or to read a book can be beneficial. Finally, seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness but an act of self-care.

The Cancer Patient Guidance Center is here for you

At K3, we believe that no one should have to walk this path alone. Self-care is strengthened when there is guidance, reliable information, and human support.

On this special day, let’s all take a step back from the fast pace of life and make our health and well-being a priority.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week: let’s take care of ourselves!

Kapa3 Report for the First Half of 2026

As the first half of 2026 draws to a close, the Cancer Patient Guidance Center (Kapa3) continues to systematically expand its reach, thereby strengthening the system of care and information for both cancer patients and their caregivers.

During the first half of the year, the organization implemented a series of high-level initiatives and forged partnerships at both the national and European levels, thereby solidifying its position.

The organization’s activities got off to a strong start in January with the welcome of its European partners in the MELODIC Consortium project at a productive two-day workshop (January 19–20), hosted by the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica.

In early February, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, Kapa3 played an active role as a partner of René Descartes College in the webinar “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Life Coordination.”

At the same time, significant initiatives were carried out in the local community, such as the “Knowledge Workshop in Megara—From Prevention to Life Coordination,” held on February 8 in collaboration with the Municipality of Megara.

In the area of scientific programs, the Cancer Patient Guidance Center, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (EBEY) of the Department of Nursing at the University of the Peloponnese (PA.PEL), launched a series of online meetings running from February through June, focusing on mental health and nutrition.

The month concluded with the organization’s participation in the international conference “Mapping the Unknown in Oncology – From Hospitals to Homes, Mapping the Future of Oncology Care,” held on February 27 and 28.

March marked a strengthening of Kapa3’s “digital presence” with its official membership in the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC), a strategic move aimed at linking healthcare with technological advancements. As an extension of this collaboration, the organization participated in a closed-door members’ meeting as part of Athens Digital Health Week 2026.

On March 11, representatives of the organization attended the diaNEOsis event “Facing the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence” at the Lighthouse of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, while in the middle of the month, Kapa 3 played a prominent role in the scientific conference “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions.” Furthermore, on March 19–20, the organization was represented at the 6th Western Macedonia Nursing Conference on the theme “Innovation and Empathy: Balancing Technology with Human Contact in Nursing.”

In parallel, the organization’s co-founder, Ms. Evangelia Bista, gave an interview on the show “All About Health” on Dion TV—which covered a variety of topics related to health, nutrition, autoimmune diseases, and more—the implementation of the free, 8-week Melodic pilot educational program began.

Kapa3’s scientific credibility was reaffirmed by the publication of the research paper “Person-First or Disease-First? Language Choices in Cancer Communication” in the journal *Nursing Reports*, as well as by Kapa3’s participation in the European project associated with Melodic, titled: “Educational Needs Regarding Mental Health of Professionals Working with Young Adults with Cancer: A European Survey,” which was also published; the organization also participated in the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 on April 24, contributing to the dissemination of results in Greece.

May was marked by a strong outward focus and new collaborations, as the organization joined the European program Service Learning 2: 0:CoLab, was selected as one of six nonprofit organizations to receive financial support from the Alpha Bank-Match For Good initiative, and began its collaboration with the USTEP INSTITUTE.

At the same time, an awareness campaign was held in Soufli to highlight Kapa3’s activities; Ms. Bista gave an interview to iatronet.gr, and representatives of the organization participated in an international conference at the Medical School of the University of Coimbra in Portugal

Within the organization, the new Psychological Support team was established with great enthusiasm, while on the social media front, the Kapa3 team won six medals at the 4th Vouliagmeni Summer Swim.

As the semester came to a close, June began with the signing of an official cooperation agreement with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of West Attica, while partnerships were solidified with the non-profit organization “Karkinaki” and the PRAXI Network of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) to strengthen international networking and access to modern funding tools.

Having completed five years of uninterrupted service in supporting cancer patients through digital guidance, Kapa 3 is entering a new era with the development of the innovative “Myrto” project. This is a pioneering Social Artificial Intelligence (Social AI) initiative in the field of care for cancer patients in Greece. “Myrto” will function as an advanced digital health and rights navigator (Patient Empowerment e-Navigator) for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—a project for which the strategic partnership with SimasiaAi for its co-development was crucial. Finally, the first closed workshop of the MYRTO Al Health Innovation Lab was held for the “Myrto” application, with the support of René Descartes College.

The results of this first half-year clearly demonstrate that Kapa 3 serves as a link connecting innovation, scientific research, and the digital age in the field of oncology care. By combining academic knowledge, European partnerships, and technological development, Kappa 3 transforms every challenge into sustainable, people-centered solutions. Partnerships with leading organizations, investors, and partners who share the same values of social responsibility are also essential to realizing this vision, ensuring that every patient has immediate, reliable, and equitable access to healthcare and their rights.

The KAPA3 team stands steadfastly by patients and caregivers to provide guidance and safeguard their rights. For any information or support, please feel free to contact us.

You can contact the KAPA3 team

13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor (Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Phone Numbers: 210 5221424 & 6906265170.

Email: info@kapa3.gr

Memorandum of Understanding between the University of West Attica—specifically the Department of Occupational Therapy—and the NGO KAPA3.

On Tuesday, June 9, a meeting was held to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of West Attica—specifically the Department of Occupational Therapy—and the NGO KAPA3.

The meeting was attended by the Rector of the University of West Attica, Panagiotis Kaldis Penelope Vlotinou, Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy Evangelia Bista, co-founder of the organization, as well as representatives from both organizations, including the interdisciplinary team of KAPA3: Despoina Chrysostomou, Psychologist Katerina Georgiopoulou, Social Worker Yiannis Kontogiorgis, Psychologist, and Eleftheria-Irini Polyzoti, an intern from the Department of Social and Educational Policy, as well as students from the Occupational Therapy Department.

During the meeting, a constructive discussion took place regarding the prospects for cooperation between the two organizations, with the aim of developing joint actions and initiatives that will contribute to strengthening education, research, social contribution, and the connection between the academic community and society.

In this context, it was decided in April to jointly organize a major scientific conference, which will focus on an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to health, on combating social inequalities in healthcare, as well as on the management of chronic disease. The aim of this initiative is to raise community awareness, facilitate the exchange of expertise among professionals and scientific bodies, and disseminate scientific knowledge and information to the general public.

Special mention was made of the innovative work of KAPA3, the digital Health Navigator “Myrto,” a modern artificial intelligence tool currently under development and designed to support cancer patients, their families, and their caregivers. “Myrto” will function as a digital assistant (Chatbot) and Health and Rights Navigator, providing immediate, reliable, and personalized information on health, social welfare, rights, benefits, and available support services. The project aims to empower patients, improve their access to information, and reduce inequalities in health and social care through the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence applications. The development of “Myrtos” represents a pioneering application of social artificial intelligence in the field of oncology care in Greece and is part of KAPA3’s strategy to promote innovation, accessibility, and the active participation of patients in managing their own health.

The meeting concluded in a particularly positive atmosphere of mutual appreciation and recognition. In this context, the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of West Attica made a symbolic gesture toward the representative of KAPA3, Evangelia Bista, presenting her with a commemorative gift as a token of appreciation for her many years of valuable social contribution in the field of support for cancer patients. At the same time, as a gesture of hospitality and appreciation, the team was offered a specially produced wine, which is an original creation of the University of West Attica.

6 Awards for Kapa3 at the 4th Vouliagmeni Summer Crossing: Is There Such a Thing as a “Lonely Race”?

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participated with great joy and emotion in the 4th Vouliagmeni Summer Swimming Crossing, an important sports and community event organised by the Vouliagmeni Nautical Club.

This year’s participation was particularly meaningful for all of us. The Kapa3 team received 6 awards, sharing a powerful message of participation, endurance, empowerment and togetherness.

But beyond the awards, what we hold most deeply is the message:

Is there really such a thing as a “lonely race”?

For us at Kapa3, the answer lies in our choice. And our choice is togetherness.

Despoina brought the idea — and much more.
Eirini stayed until the very end.

Leoni, Kalliopi, Giorgos, Christoforos, Athina, Christiana and Aria stood together as a true Winning Team.

They competed in every category, participated in every activity, informed, supported and left their own mark of empowerment, endurance and hope.

Leoni, Kalliopi, Giorgos, Christoforos, Athina, Christiana and Aria stood together as a true Winning Team.

They competed in every category, participated in every activity, informed, supported and left their own mark of empowerment, endurance and hope.

For Kapa3, the 6 awards are not only an athletic distinction. They are a symbol. They represent the power of effort, the importance of persistence and the value of community in every difficult journey.

ust as in the sea, the cancer journey requires rhythm, breath, emotional strength and people by our side. Even when a struggle feels personal, it does not have to be — and should never be — lonely.

Kapa3’s participation in the Vouliagmeni Crossing was an act of presence and awareness. It was a way to remind everyone that support for cancer patients, caregivers and families is not limited to information or access to rights and services. It is also about creating a community that stands beside people, encourages them and reminds them that they are not alone.

The sea carries a powerful symbolism. It represents the journey, uncertainty, effort, endurance, but also freedom. Every participant in the Crossing carries their own story, their own effort and their own path. For us at Kapa3, this image is deeply connected to the experience of people affected by cancer.

At Kapa3, we know that the experience of cancer is not limited to treatment. It is connected to everyday life, emotional resilience, access to information, rights, social benefits, transportation, work, family, uncertainty and the need for human presence.

This is why every community action we participate in has a dual purpose: to inform and to unite. To make visible the need for equal access to care, while also reminding everyone that support is not an abstract concept. It is presence. It is care. It is listening. It is guidance. It is the hand that helps someone keep going.

The 4th Vouliagmeni Summer Crossing was another moment of outreach, participation and empowerment for Kapa3. A moment that showed that strength is not found only at the finish line, but also in the decision to start, to try and to keep going.

We are grateful for the support, the care, the participation and the result.

We warmly thank the Vouliagmeni Nautical Club for organising the event, as well as everyone who participated, supported and stood beside us in this initiative.

We continue to choose togetherness at Kapa3.

Because even when a race is individual, it should never be lonely.

Alpha Bank and Its Employees Support Kapa3 through the Match for Good Initiative

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 warmly thanks Alpha Bank and its employees for their meaningful support through the Match for Good initiative, through which Alpha Bank doubled the contribution of its employees.

Through this initiative, six non-profit organisations from across Greece received financial support during a special event held at Alpha Bank’s headquarters, in the presence of representatives of the organisations. The event was hosted by the Chairman of Alpha Bank’s Board of Directors, Mr. Dimitris Tsitsiragos, and the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Fragiski Melissa.

Mr. Dimitris Tsitsiragos highlighted that the Match for Good initiative puts into practice Alpha Bank’s commitment to consistently support organisations that create a positive social impact. He underlined that when the individual contribution of employees is combined with the Bank’s support, it becomes a collective force with tangible results.

Ms. Fragiski Melissa noted that Match for Good reflects the Bank’s new culture in practice, giving employees an active role in selecting, participating in and supporting initiatives with social value.

Kapa3 was represented by Ms. Evangeli Bista, co-founder of the Organisation, and Ms. Despoina Chrysostomidou, collaborating psychologist. During the event, they had the opportunity to present Kapa3’s work and discuss the social impact that can be created when corporate responsibility meets the active participation of employees.

For all of us at Kapa3, this support is particularly meaningful. It strengthens our daily effort to stand beside people with lived experience of cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, offering guidance, information, support in accessing rights and services, and practical empowerment tools.

Kapa3 acts as a navigation and support organisation for cancer patients, bridging the gap between need and information, between rights and real access. For many people, especially those living outside major urban centres, the challenge is not only the disease itself. It is uncertainty, bureaucracy, lack of information about available rights, financial burden, transportation difficulties, psychosocial pressure and the need for a reliable companion.

Through initiatives like this, social contribution gains multiplying power and becomes real support for those who need it. The support of Alpha Bank and its employees strengthens Kapa3’s mission: ensuring that no person is left alone when facing cancer, searching for information, navigating procedures or claiming a right they are entitled to.

Health is not only a medical act. It is access, information, dignity, social care and meaningful presence. Every contribution to Kapa3 becomes more guidance, more information, more empowerment and more care for people and families going through a difficult and demanding journey.

We warmly thank Alpha Bank and its employees for their trust, choice and support of Kapa3’s work.

Because when giving becomes collective, it can meaningfully change people’s everyday lives.

20260310 Match For Good Programme Part2 Alpha Bank Via Solid Havas / Thalia Galanopoulou

Match for Good – Alpha Bank (1)

New National Patient Registry for Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI)

Patient care at home in Greece is becoming more organized and secure with the establishment of the National Registry of Patients Receiving Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI), as published in Government Gazette 1995/07.04.2026. The NOSPI program is already in pilot implementation at selected hospitals nationwide, with the goal of full development and operation by the end of 2026, including a digital platform and patient registry.

The new registry aims to systematically record patients receiving NOSPI services, ensuring that care is tailored to individual therapeutic needs. Patient groups eligible for inclusion include, among others, those with tracheostomies, on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, receiving long-term oxygen therapy, on parenteral or gastrostomy feeding, as well as those requiring intensive physiotherapy or mobility rehabilitation. Currently, enrollment primarily focuses on children with severe health conditions and chronically ill patients needing pulmonary care, in collaboration with pilot Reference Centers.

While the NOSPI program is already operating in a pilot phase, universal access for all patients in the country has not yet been achieved. Its development is gradual, with full operation—including digital infrastructure and registry-based documentation—planned by the end of 2026. Strengthening Hospital-at-Home care enables better monitoring and improvement of home care services for patients with long-term needs.

Through the registry, authorities can collect accurate and essential health data, enhancing the quality of services and supporting the design of targeted health policies. Implementation respects personal data protection in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring transparency and public trust.

For families and caregivers, patient enrollment in the NOSPI National Registry means access to more coordinated care, with support delivered directly to their homes. Furthermore, documentation helps evaluate and improve home nursing services, enhancing patient safety and quality of life.

This initiative, combined with the development of the digital platform and registry, aims not only to upgrade home care services but also to reduce hospital congestion and ensure high-quality services for all patients in the future.

Sources (text in Greek) : Government Gazette NOSPI, ODIPY

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Depression and Cancer Mortality: A Critical Link Across Major Cancer Types

Depression is a common but often underrecognized condition among cancer patients, affecting up to 20–30% of individuals diagnosed with the disease. Beyond its impact on quality of life, mounting evidence suggests that depression can significantly influence cancer outcomes, including survival. A recent meta-analysis of 65 cohort studies spanning colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and mixed cancers provides compelling evidence that depression diagnosed after a cancer diagnosis is associated with a substantially increased risk of mortality.

The analysis revealed that patients with depression faced an 83% higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer, a 59% higher risk in lung cancer, a 74% higher risk in prostate cancer, and a 23% higher risk in breast cancer compared to non-depressed patients. Across mixed cancer types, depression increased the risk of cancer mortality by 38%. These findings underscore that the psychological burden of cancer is not merely an emotional challenge but a critical factor affecting survival outcomes.

Mechanisms Linking Depression and Cancer Outcomes

Depression may influence cancer progression through multiple biological and behavioral pathways. Biologically, depression is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune suppression, autonomic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired DNA repair. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), can contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. In older patients, depression may exacerbate age-related immune dysfunction, creating an environment more permissive to cancer progression.

Behaviorally, depression affects health-related actions and treatment adherence. Depressed patients are more likely to delay seeking medical care, adhere poorly to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies, and engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Social isolation and reduced support systems further increase vulnerability, compounding the negative impact on survival.

Clinical Implications and Interventions

The strong association between depression and cancer mortality highlights the urgent need to integrate mental health care into routine oncology practice. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive-expressive therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in reducing distress and improving adherence to cancer treatment. Pharmacological management, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also support mental health and potentially influence cancer outcomes, though more research is needed to understand their role fully. Early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms should be considered a priority for oncologists, mental health professionals, and healthcare policymakers alike.

Limitations and Future Directions

While this meta-analysis provides robust evidence, several limitations should be noted. The observational nature of the studies prevents establishing causality, and differences in study design, depression assessment methods, and patient populations contribute to heterogeneity. Future research should explore longitudinal and randomized studies to clarify causal pathways and identify the most effective interventions to reduce depression-related mortality. Investigating the interactions between depression, inflammation, and cancer biology may also reveal targets for novel supportive therapies.

Depression is not just a psychological burden for cancer patients—it is a significant predictor of mortality across multiple cancer types. These findings call for systematic depression screening and tailored interventions as integral components of oncology care.

Organizations like Kapa3 play a vital role in supporting the mental health of cancer patients, offering resources and guidance that can improve both quality of life and treatment outcomes. Integrating psychological support into cancer care ensures that mental well-being is recognized as an essential part of the healing process.
In line with this mission, Kapa3 participates in MELODIC, a new European initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health of young adults (18–30 years old) living with or beyond cancer.

Read the original article here

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.