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17/11, Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action

Today is dedicated to a goal that, until recently, seemed almost impossible: the complete elimination of cervical cancer.

This is the only cancer that can be almost entirely prevented, thanks to HPV vaccination and regular screening.

This day was internationally established following the World Health Organization’s initiative in 2020 and was officially recognized in 2025 by the World Health Assembly as the “World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.” It reminds us that awareness and access to healthcare save lives—and that no woman should be lost to a cancer that can be prevented.

Key Statistics

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of new cases are diagnosed, and according to the latest WHO data, approximately 660,000 new cases and nearly 350,000 deaths were recorded in 2022.

In Europe, there has been a steady decline thanks to screening and vaccination programs, but inequalities between countries persist. Despite significant international progress, disparities remain: in many regions, access to HPV vaccination is not universal, and organized population screening programs do not exist. This means that many women do not have the same opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, leading to much higher mortality in lower-income countries.

Situation in Greece

In Greece, according to ICO/IARC data, about 697 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, while approximately 282 die from the disease. Significant progress has been made, with the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Vaccination Program and the development of organized screening actions. Still, awareness remains the key tool to increase women’s participation in Pap and HPV tests.

In this context, it is worth remembering the Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou, the scientist who gave his name to the Pap test and paved the way for the worldwide reduction in cervical cancer mortality. His contribution is one of the most significant in the history of preventive medicine.

What We Can Do

In Kapa3, we firmly believe, that today is not just a reminder. It is a call for all of us to take a step: to talk to the women around us. To break the silence, the fear, and the stigma. Let’s celebrate Cervical Cancer Elimination Day by speaking with friends, daughters, mothers, sisters—by reaching out to the women in our lives and promoting prevention.

Through awareness, prevention, and equitable access to healthcare services, cervical cancer can truly become a thing of the past. Every step in this direction is a victory for all.

Biomarkers Open New Paths in Cancer Treatment in Greece

Good news for cancer patients in Greece — access to personalized treatments is now becoming a reality.

A recent decision by the Ministry of Health (ΦΕΚ Β’ 5627/20-10-2025, Απόφαση Δ3(α) 41081/2025) approves and reimburses a wider range of biomarker tests, marking an important step forward for modern oncology care.

Read the Government Gazette here

But what are biomarkers?
They are special indicators detected through molecular tests that help doctors understand the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. In simple terms, biomarkers act like a “compass,” guiding doctors to choose the most effective and safest treatment for every individual.

Until now, only a few biomarkers were covered by the public health system — for example, molecular signatures that determine whether a woman with early-stage breast cancer needs chemotherapy (approved in 2018), or BRCA1/2 gene tests that reveal inherited risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

The new decision significantly expands this list, adding additional biomarkers for 39 indications. This allows oncologists to tailor treatments to the specific profile of each patient’s tumor, bringing Greece closer to international standards of personalized medicine.

KAPA3, which consistently supports patient education and empowerment, welcomes this development as a vital step toward more human-centred, targeted care.

This progress brings hope, better quality of life, and greater trust in the healthcare system. It is only the beginning, but it lays strong foundations for a future where every patient has access to the right treatment, at the right time.

Learn about patient rights via KAPA3’s extensive library here

Learn more about cancer biomarkers here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Free and Reduced Transportation for People with Disabilities and Large Families – What Changes in 2025

The Greek state is implementing significant changes regarding transportation for people with disabilities and large families in 2025. The new regulations simplify procedures, expand rights, and make public transport more accessible for all eligible individuals.

People with Disabilities (PwD)
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals include people with disabilities with a disability rate of 67% or higher, or those receiving disability benefits from OPEKA. Totally blind individuals and holders of a digital Disability Card marked with levels II or III are exempt from income limits.

What changes:

Residency criteria are removed.
The right to free or reduced transportation now extends to one accompanying person, if needed.
Using the Disability Card for OASA, OSETH, KTEL, and Thessaloniki Metro is now simple with electronic or personalized card validation, without additional documents.

Practical use:

Free travel on OASA, OSETH, urban KTEL, and the municipalities of Kos and Rhodes.
50% discount on intercity KTEL routes.
Thessaloniki Metro requires topping up the ThessCard with zero fare.
Accompanying persons can travel without separate validation when accompanying the eligible individual.

Large Families
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals are large families and their members, according to existing legislation protecting large families.

What changes:

Travel with OASA, OSETH, and KTEL becomes more flexible.
Free or discounted tickets are supported depending on the policy of each transport service.

Practical use:

Simple procedure for issuing travel passes through Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP) and relevant regional authorities.
Tickets are valid for urban and intercity transport services.

These new regulations simplify the daily lives of people with disabilities and large families, reduce bureaucracy, and make access to all public transport easier.

See the Official Government Gazette (FEK) here

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Stress Relief

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program developed by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, designed to help individuals focus on the present moment by observing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with acceptance and without judgment. The program includes guided meditations, mindful movement exercises (such as yoga), breathing practices, and body scans, promoting mental calm, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.

As expected, this approach has been applied to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients. A recent systematic review published in BMC Psychology in November 2024 examined the effectiveness of MBSR in breast cancer patients, focusing on outcomes such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, quality of life, post-traumatic growth (PTG), fear of recurrence, pain, stress, and sleep.

The review included 15 randomized studies with a total of 1,937 participants. Results showed that the eight-week program significantly reduced anxiety and depression and improved quality of life compared to a six-week program or usual care. Additionally, post-traumatic growth increased and remained elevated even three months after completing the program. Fatigue decreased at the end of the program, though no statistically significant difference was found at the three-month follow-up. The method did not show significant effects on pain, stress, fear of recurrence, or sleep compared to usual care. Nevertheless, MBSR remains a powerful tool for psychological support.

At Kapa3, we believe that mindfulness can be a valuable aid for those who need it, and the results of this systematic review highlight MBSR’s value as a safe and effective intervention for the psychological support of patients.

Researchers note that a longer program duration allows participants to internalize MBSR practices and develop positive coping strategies. MBSR focuses on conscious attention to the present, with patience, acceptance, and a non-judgmental stance, helping regulate emotions and reduce negative thoughts related to the illness. Regular practice, especially in an eight-week program, appears to enhance positive outcomes, improving both psychological well-being and patients’ perception of their lives.

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

World Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation – October 28

October 28 is not only a day of national remembrance in Greece; it’s also the World Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation — a day dedicated to the second chance life can offer. A reminder that generosity does not end with us but continues through those who choose to give hope.

Organ donation is one of the most powerful expressions of solidarity and humanity. Each donation can save or transform up to seven lives — people who are waiting for a heart, liver, kidney, lungs, or other vital organs to survive. Yet, the numbers show that this gift of life is still far too rare. According to the Hellenic Transplant Organization (EOM), only about 8 organ donors per million population were recorded in Greece in 2023, compared to an EU average of 18 (EOM, 2023).

The gap between the need and availability of organs remains a pressing issue. Thousands of patients across Europe spend years on waiting lists, while many never get the chance for a transplant. Raising awareness, dispelling myths, and encouraging conversation within families are crucial steps toward change.

Becoming an organ donor means choosing to leave a legacy of life. It’s a selfless act that connects us beyond time, offering a heartbeat, a breath, or a new beginning to someone else.

Because when one life ends, another can begin — and that may be the most profound act of love there is.

Sources:

Hellenic Transplant Organization (EOM) here

European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) – Organ donation and transplantation statistics here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

EGFR: An “Old Target” Gaining New Life in Cancer Research

When science moves forward step by step

Progress in oncology does not always come with dramatic announcements. Often, it is found in studies that show small but meaningful steps. One such case is a recent review in JAMA Oncology exploring new targeted therapies for head and neck cancer — a type of cancer often linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, or HPV infection. At Kapa3, we closely follow these developments to keep patients and their families responsibly informed,

Researchers focused on a protein called EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Approximately 90% of patients with this type of cancer show overexpression of the protein, making it an attractive target for therapy. In the past, drugs such as cetuximab attempted to “block” EGFR activity, but results were limited. Patients experienced modest improvements without a significant increase in survival.

The new generation of research goes a step further. Combination therapies are being explored, such as targeting EGFR alongside immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab), which strengthens the body’s defense against cancer cells. In early studies, this combination showed response rates around 45% and a median survival of approximately 18 months in patients for whom previous treatments had failed — results that, while not dramatic, are considered encouraging for this disease.

Scientists now understand that the success of targeted therapy depends on multiple factors. In many patients, cancer cells eventually develop resistance, “learning” to bypass the drug’s effect. In addition, cancers linked to HPV appear to behave differently from those that are not, opening new avenues for more personalized approaches.

Research is also focusing on identifying biomarkers — molecular indicators that can show which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy. If these tools prove reliable, they could lead to more targeted, effective, and safer treatments in the future.

At the same time, newer forms of drugs are being tested, such as bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, which aim to target cancer cells with greater precision. All of these efforts are still in early clinical trial stages, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

The key message of this research is not that a “new drug that beats cancer” has been found, but that science continues to search, test, and learn. Every small step, every percentage of improvement, every new idea paves the way for future progress.

For people living with cancer — and their families — hope lies not only in major breakthroughs and new treatments but also in the certainty that thousands of researchers around the world are tirelessly working to make each next step a little closer to life. Because in science, as in life, progress is often measured not in leaps but in steady, human steps. At Kapa3, we are committed to sharing this news in a clear and useful way for everyone.

Read the review here

Sources:

Hwang W. et al. “Emerging EGFR-Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review.” JAMA Oncology (2025).
World Health Organization – Cancer Research Updates

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

New limits on diagnostic tests by EOPYY

What applies to oncology patients

With a new decision by the Ministry of Health (Government Gazette 5325/B/2025), stricter rules are in effect for the repetition of diagnostic tests for EOPYY-insured patients, aiming to reduce costs. However, oncology and hematology patients are exempt in many cases, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted medical monitoring.

What changes

For a series of laboratory and imaging tests (hematology, biochemistry, hormone tests, tumor markers, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, etc.), it is explicitly stated:
“Oncology and hematology patients are exempt”, allowing more frequent repetition when justified by the attending physician.
For tests such as cancer markers, PET/CT scans, and scintigraphy, the exemption is automatic without time restrictions, as these are part of routine disease monitoring.
Oncology patients are also included in the new “Radio-pharmaceutical Reimbursement Procedure”, covering nuclear medicine tests and ensuring full reimbursement.

In summary, for oncology patients, the ability to repeat tests essentially does not change — on the contrary, they are legally protected, as the prescribed exemptions remain.

However, the new framework introduces stricter controls on prescription and reimbursement, which may lead to delays or differences among diagnostic centers and could indirectly affect access and the speed at which tests are carried out.

The full page of the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) can be viewed here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World Food Day: Nourishment as a Pillar of Recovery, Equity & Dignity

Every year on October 16, we pause to remember that food is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human right. As the global theme underscores, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” we cannot separate what we eat from how we live, survive, and heal.

The Cancer–Nutrition Connection

For people living with cancer, nutrition can shift from routine to lifeline. The right balance of proteins, micronutrients, hydration, and calories helps sustain strength, improve tolerance of treatments, and support recovery. Yet many cancer patients face serious obstacles: loss of appetite, changes in taste, nausea, fatigue, and swallowing problems. These side effects often lead to undernutrition or weight loss, which in turn can weaken resilience against therapy.

The Shadow of Food Insecurity

The medical challenges compound when food access is uncertain. Studies show that between 17% and 55% of cancer patients worldwide experience food insecurity. Among survivors, those struggling with insecure nutrition have been shown to carry a 28% higher risk of mortality compared to those with stable access. In some research from the U.S., about 6% of older cancer survivors report food insecurity, especially when healthcare costs become “catastrophic” relative to income. These numbers are alarming — they confirm that disease and deprivation often travel together.

The Broader Picture

Food systems globally are strained by climate change, supply chain disruptions, inequalities, and the overuse of ultra-processed foods. In cancer contexts, a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake has been linked with higher incidence of some cancers (breast, colorectal, head & neck). Ensuring equitable access to fresh, minimally processed foods is critical to prevention and treatment alike.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that caring for people with cancer goes far beyond medical treatment. Proper nutrition, psychological support, and reliable information are equally important pillars for each person’s wellbeing and dignity.
Raising awareness about nutrition is an essential part of our mission to highlight issues related to quality of life, encourage healthy choices, and remind everyone that even the smallest changes in our daily habits can make a meaningful difference in supporting both patients and their caregivers.

On this World Food Day, let us commit to more than awareness. We must advocate for policies that ensure nutritious food access as part of healthcare, especially for patients facing serious illness. Governments, NGOs, health institutions — all must collaborate to reduce food deserts, subsidize healthy staples, and integrate food security screening into patient care protocols.

In shared meals, there’s more than sustenance: there’s hope, connection, and dignity. Those fighting cancer deserve every bite of comfort, strength, and life — and none should ever be left behind.

Read more about our Holistic Body and Mind Care online Meetings with Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese here

New Guide by the Greek Ombudsman on Serving Vulnerable Groups in Public Services

The Greek Ombudsman has released a new, comprehensive Guide addressing the service of vulnerable social groups by public authorities. This important tool for awareness and training aims to improve the quality of service, strengthen equality, and promote respect for the rights of all citizens.

The Guide includes:

The main legal framework and legislative provisions concerning different categories of citizens.
The difficulties and barriers faced by groups such as Roma communities, persons with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, people living with addictions, or citizens with a migrant background.
Practical behavioral guidelines for civil servants to ensure that services are accessible, non-discriminatory, and respectful of each group’s specific needs.
Tools and points of reference (such as helplines, support structures, and competent services) for the immediate guidance of citizens in need.

In this way, the Guide serves as a bridge between citizens and Public Administration, promoting transparency, equal treatment, and social cohesion.

Its significance lies not only in providing up-to-date information and an overview of the relevant legislation, but also in offering clear, practical directions for the daily work of public employees. This ensures that every citizen – regardless of origin, gender, age, or social status – enjoys equal access to quality services.

The Guide is available on the website of the Greek Ombudsman and is recommended for use by all public bodies, welfare organizations, hospitals, municipalities, and citizens’ associations.

KAPA3 supports and highlights such initiatives, which contribute to both citizens’ empowerment and the better preparation of the staff who serve them. Disseminating this Guide is another step toward a society free of exclusion.