Health Literacy Archives

Kapa3 at EUPATI Greece: From Knowledge to Meaningful Patient Involvement in Research

Empowering patient representatives through education, recognising the value of lived experience, and promoting co-creation in health research and policy.

21–23 September 2026 | EUPATI Greece Patient Academy

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre, represented by its associates Aristea Archontidou and Despina Chrysostomidou, participated in the three-day educational programme of the EUPATI Greece Patient Academy, organised by the Greek Patients’ Association from 21 to 23 September 2026.

This participation reflects Kapa3’s ongoing commitment to strengthening scientific knowledge, health literacy, and the skills of its associates and volunteers, with the aim of providing more meaningful support and representation for people living with cancer.

At a time when clinical research, the development of new treatments, and health technologies are continuously evolving, patient involvement is becoming increasingly important.

However, one critical question remains:

Are patients genuinely involved in shaping the decisions that affect them, or are they still too often limited to the role of passive recipients?

The EUPATI training highlighted the importance of moving beyond simply providing information towards active, informed, and meaningful patient involvement in research, the evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and the design of healthcare services.

EUPATI: Scientific Knowledge and the Empowerment of Patient Representatives

The European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) is a European initiative that promotes the education and empowerment of patients and their representatives, enabling them to participate more effectively and confidently in medicines research and development and discussions concerning innovation in healthcare.

The Greek educational programme included presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences among healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient representatives.

Over the three days, participants explored several key topics, including:

Critical reading and understanding of clinical studies.
Interpretation of statistical data and research findings.
The regulatory framework governing clinical trials and medical devices.
Ethical considerations in research.
The organisation and design of clinical trials.
Patient representation in scientific advisory bodies and decision-making processes.

The practical approach was particularly valuable, as participants were encouraged to analyse scientific data, raise questions, and identify the challenges patients may face when trying to understand a clinical study or evaluate available treatment options.

The programme reinforced an essential principle: scientific knowledge should not remain the exclusive domain of specialists. It should be accessible and understandable to those who are expected to participate in decisions affecting their health and lives.

From Scientific Information to Critical Understanding

One of the main areas addressed during the programme was the critical appraisal of clinical studies and the interpretation of their findings.

Understanding a scientific publication requires more than reading its conclusions.

It involves examining the study design, the population included, the therapeutic interventions investigated, the comparison groups, and the outcomes assessed.

Concepts such as Overall Survival (OS), Progression-Free Survival (PFS), adverse events, quality of life, and statistical significance are particularly important when evaluating the actual benefits of a treatment.

A statistically significant difference does not necessarily translate into an equally meaningful clinical benefit for every patient.

Similarly, measures of treatment effectiveness need to be considered alongside safety data, their impact on everyday life, and individual patient preferences.

Developing these skills strengthens the ability of patient representatives to participate meaningfully in scientific discussions, critically evaluate information, and raise well-informed questions.

Patient Involvement Must Begin Before Research Starts

One of the most important issues highlighted during the educational discussions was the need for meaningful patient involvement from the earliest stages of clinical study design.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is not the same as participating in a clinical trial as a research subject.

Rather, it recognises patients’ lived experiences as a valuable source of knowledge that can contribute to identifying research priorities and shaping the research process itself.

People with lived experience of a condition can provide important insights into which treatment outcomes matter most in everyday life, which research procedures may be excessively burdensome, and what barriers could limit participation in a study.

Moving from research conducted “for patients” to research developed “with patients” represents a fundamental shift in the philosophy of contemporary health research.

Patient Experience Data: When Lived Experience Becomes Part of Scientific Knowledge

Particular importance is attached to Patient Experience Data (PED).

These data capture the experiences, needs, preferences, and priorities of people living with a health condition.

In oncology care, the patient experience extends beyond the clinical response to treatment. It also includes the impact of cancer on employment, family relationships, financial security, daily functioning, and quality of life.

Using such data can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of treatment needs and the benefit–risk balance.

Informed Consent: From Signing a Document to Genuine Understanding

Informed consent is a fundamental requirement for the ethical conduct of clinical research.

However, signing a document is not enough.

Participants need to understand the purpose of the study, its procedures, potential benefits and risks, available alternatives, and their right to withdraw in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework, without adverse consequences for their standard care.

The use of clear and understandable language, sufficient time to consider the information provided, and the opportunity to ask questions are essential conditions for genuinely informed decision-making.

Health literacy is not solely about what patients know. It is also about the ability of healthcare systems to provide information in ways that are understandable, accessible, and appropriate for informed decision-making.

From Formal Representation to Genuine Influence

The training discussions also highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding meaningful patient representation.

Limited access to specialised knowledge, lack of time and resources, geographical and social inequalities, and the absence of systematic participation mechanisms can create significant barriers.

At the same time, transparency, independence, and the management of conflicts of interest are essential conditions for credible patient representation.

Strengthening patient involvement in hospitals, scientific advisory bodies, and established healthcare evaluation and decision-making processes is an important step towards a more transparent and inclusive system.

The real challenge is not simply to secure a seat for patients at the decision-making table, but to ensure that they can genuinely influence the decisions being made.

What EUPATI Participation Means for Kapa3

For Kapa3, investing in EUPATI education forms part of a broader effort to connect scientific evidence with the everyday experiences of people living with cancer.

Aristea Archontidou and Despina Chrysostomidou participated in the educational activities and workshops focusing on the critical appraisal of clinical studies and statistical analysis, exchanging knowledge and experiences with patient representatives and professionals from different fields.

The knowledge gained through this experience directly supports Kapa3’s core priorities:

Empowering patients and caregivers.
Strengthening health and digital literacy.
Improving access to reliable and understandable information.
Promoting patient involvement in research.
Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and the co-creation of services.
Training associates and volunteers to provide better navigation and support.

This approach is also reflected in the development of MYRTO – Kapa3’s Digital Social Navigator, which uses Artificial Intelligence to facilitate access to evidence-informed information on rights, benefits, and available support services.

Through research, European partnerships, education, and everyday social guidance, Kapa3 seeks to contribute to the development of a more structured and evaluable model of human-centred navigation in oncology care.

For Kapa3, participation in initiatives such as EUPATI represents an investment in the organisation’s collective knowledge and in continuously strengthening its scientific and social contribution.

From Participation to Co-Creation

Kapa3’s participation in the EUPATI Greece Patient Academy reinforces the importance of continuous education and meaningful collaboration between the scientific community and people with lived experience of illness.

Patient involvement should not be reduced to a formal process of representation.

It must be meaningful, evidence-informed, inclusive, and embedded from the earliest stages of research and healthcare service design.

Because patients are not merely recipients of scientific knowledge.

They can and should be active partners in creating it.

At Kapa3, we remain committed to investing in knowledge, education, collaboration, and co-creation.

Because better care is not only designed for people. It is designed with them.

Sources and Further Reading

EUPATI – European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation
https://eupati.eu/

Greek Patients’ Association
https://greekpatient.gr/

University of Basel – Patient and Public Involvement: Why and How
https://dkf.unibas.ch/en/scientific-services/patient-and-public-involvement/patient-and-public-involvement-why-and-how/

European Medicines Agency – Patient Experience Data Reflection Paper
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/scientific-guidelines/patient-experience-data-ped-reflection-paper

Bereczky, T. (2013). The Impatient Patient: A Discussion of Patient Involvement in Novel Forms of Knowledge Production – A Case Study of the European Community Advisory Board on HIV/AIDS.
Socio.hu.
https://socio.hu/uploads/files/english/bereczky.pdf

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
https://www.kapa3.gr/

Breast Cancer in Greece: Statistics, Barriers to Screening and the Free “PROLAMVANO” Programme

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Understanding the evidence, overcoming barriers to early detection and making preventive healthcare accessible to every woman.

Early detection can save lives

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Greece and one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide.

However, advances in early detection, diagnosis and treatment have substantially improved outcomes. When breast cancer is identified before it has spread beyond the breast, the chances of successful treatment are considerably higher.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with localised breast cancer in the United States exceeds 99%. This figure reflects population-level survival data rather than an individual prognosis, and it should not be interpreted as a guaranteed cure rate or as a Greece-specific statistic.

These findings highlight the importance of timely diagnosis, access to appropriate screening and high-quality treatment.

Early detection is not simply a medical recommendation. It is an opportunity to protect health, preserve quality of life and improve outcomes.

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, understanding the situation in Greece is particularly important: How common is breast cancer? What prevents women from participating in screening? And how can national prevention programmes help overcome these barriers?

1. Breast cancer statistics: Greece and the European Union

Breast cancer in Greece

According to the latest Greece country fact sheet from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based on GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Greece.

The estimated figures for 2024 were:

8,733 new breast cancer cases.
2,398 deaths attributed to breast cancer.
31.7% of all new cancer diagnoses among women were breast cancer cases.
35,740 people were estimated to be living within five years of a breast cancer diagnosis.

These figures describe the substantial burden of breast cancer and the importance of sustained investment in prevention, early detection, treatment and comprehensive support.

It is important to recognise that GLOBOCAN figures are epidemiological estimates. They should not be confused with directly recorded cases from a fully comprehensive national cancer registry.

Breast cancer risk increases with age, although the disease can also affect younger women. Individual risk is influenced by several factors, including age, family history, inherited genetic variants, reproductive and hormonal factors, and lifestyle-related characteristics.

The importance of early diagnosis

Survival outcomes differ considerably depending on the extent of disease at diagnosis.

US population-based data show that five-year relative survival is higher than 99% for localised breast cancer, compared with approximately 87% for regional disease and 32% for distant disease.

These figures demonstrate the value of identifying breast cancer before it has spread, while also highlighting why treatment and supportive care remain essential at every stage.

Screening aims to detect cancer early, before symptoms develop. It does not prevent every cancer from occurring and cannot guarantee a particular outcome.

Greece has one of the highest concentrations of mammography equipment in the EU

According to Eurostat’s publication of 2 October 2026, Greece and Cyprus reported the highest availability of mammography units among EU countries with available data.

The reported figures were:

Greece: 7.6 mammography units per 100,000 inhabitants.
Cyprus: 6.9 units.
Italy: 3.7 units.
Sweden: 1.1 units.

The equipment figures refer to 2024.

These findings reveal an important distinction between the availability of medical technology and equitable access to preventive healthcare.

A relatively high number of mammography units does not automatically ensure that every woman can obtain timely screening.

Geographical distribution, appointment availability, accessibility, health literacy and socioeconomic circumstances can all influence actual access.

Eurostat’s October 2026 report does not provide a comparable 2024 screening participation rate for Greece. Therefore, the equipment data should not be interpreted as evidence of high or low participation in organised breast cancer screening.

Across the European Union, screening participation also varies substantially between countries, emphasising the importance of effective outreach, organised programmes and equitable access.

2. Why do women postpone breast cancer screening?

Access to equipment is only one component of effective prevention.

Women’s participation in screening is also influenced by personal beliefs, knowledge, previous experiences and practical circumstances.

A scientific study published in 2025 by Toska and colleagues, entitled “Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire”, examined the Greek version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ-12).

The methodological study involved 202 women in Greece aged between 21 and 69 years and confirmed the questionnaire’s three-factor structure.

The three dimensions are particularly relevant for understanding how women approach breast cancer screening.

Knowledge

Knowledge refers to women’s understanding of breast cancer, the purpose of screening, the available examinations and the importance of timely medical assessment.

Access to accurate and understandable information can help women distinguish between screening recommendations, symptoms requiring medical evaluation and misconceptions about breast cancer.

Health literacy is therefore essential. Information must be scientifically reliable, clearly communicated and accessible to women with different educational, linguistic and digital backgrounds.

Attitudes and beliefs

Personal attitudes can influence whether a woman considers screening necessary, beneficial or relevant to her circumstances.

Some women may feel healthy and therefore assume that screening is unnecessary. Others may associate mammography with fear, discomfort or anxiety about a possible diagnosis.

Addressing these concerns requires sensitive, respectful and evidence-based communication rather than messages that create guilt or fear.

Perceived and practical barriers

Barriers to breast cancer screening may include:

Fear of receiving an abnormal result.
Anxiety about the examination itself.
Limited time due to employment or family responsibilities.
Financial and transport difficulties.
Limited access to appropriate healthcare services.
Uncertainty about where or how to book an appointment.
Insufficient understanding of screening recommendations.

The Greek BCSBQ-12 validation study provides a reliable instrument for investigating screening beliefs; it does not, by itself, establish the national prevalence of each barrier.

Nevertheless, broader European research has documented inequalities in screening participation associated with education, income, geographical location and disability.

Effective prevention requires more than equipment and invitations. It requires understanding the needs and circumstances of the people screening programmes are designed to reach.

3. Greece’s National “PROLAMVANO” Programme: Free breast cancer screening

A major public health initiative supporting access to early detection in Greece is the National Prevention Programme “PROLAMVANO”, which includes the “Fofi Gennimata” Breast Cancer Screening Programme.

On 13 October 2026, the Greek Ministry of Health announced the gradual distribution of new SMS notifications and electronic referrals for free breast cancer screening.

According to the Ministry, the programme is now a permanent national public health policy, financed through national resources.

Who is eligible?

Under the screening cycle announced in October 2026, the programme covers:

Women aged 45–74, whether insured or uninsured, who meet the programme’s eligibility conditions.

The Ministry identified 2,385,935 women as eligible for the new cycle.

The programme seeks to reduce financial and administrative barriers by providing access to preventive examinations without direct charges to eligible beneficiaries.

How can women arrange their screening?

Step 1: Check for an SMS notification

Women who have activated Greece’s electronic paperless prescription service (ayli syntagografisi) receive an electronic referral by SMS.

The notification supports access to the examination without the need to obtain a conventional paper prescription.

Step 2: Use your AMKA if you have not activated paperless prescriptions

Women who have not activated the paperless prescription service can still access the programme.

They can visit the official screening platform:

https://proliptikes.gov.gr

The platform provides information about participating diagnostic centres, their locations and contact details.

Eligible women can contact a participating centre and arrange an appointment using their AMKA, the Greek Social Security Registration Number.

Step 3: Attend the screening appointment

The programme includes a free digital mammogram and, where clinically indicated, a supplementary breast ultrasound examination.

If a finding requires additional evaluation, women should follow the medical guidance provided by the relevant healthcare professionals.

Screening does not replace diagnostic assessment when a person already has symptoms.

The impact of the first screening cycle

According to the Greek Ministry of Health’s announcement of 13 October 2026:

1,267,026 women underwent digital mammography during the first cycle of the breast screening programme.
87,231 women were identified with findings requiring further medical attention or investigation.
More than 6,000 women were reported to have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

These figures demonstrate the scale of the initiative and the significant opportunity created by organised early detection.

An abnormal screening finding does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. Additional tests may be required to clarify the result.

The figures also underline the importance of ensuring that women with abnormal findings can access timely diagnostic follow-up and appropriate care.

4. What should women know about breast cancer prevention and screening?

Breast health involves a combination of awareness, appropriate screening, clinical assessment and attention to modifiable risk factors.

Mammography

Mammography is the principal imaging test used for breast cancer screening in women without symptoms.

The recommended age at which screening should begin and the frequency of examinations vary according to national guidelines, age and individual risk.

European guidance recommends mammography every two years for asymptomatic women aged 50–69 at average risk, with screening also considered for women aged 45–49 and 70–74 at different intervals.

For women at increased risk, including some women with a strong family history or inherited genetic variants, an individualised screening plan may be needed.

There is no universal requirement for every woman to have a baseline mammogram at 35–40 or annual screening after 40.

Women should discuss the most appropriate screening schedule with their healthcare professional.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound can provide supplementary information when clinically indicated, including in the investigation of a specific finding.

It may be useful in the assessment of certain breast abnormalities, but it does not automatically replace mammography as a routine screening examination.

Additional imaging decisions depend on individual circumstances and medical recommendations.

Breast awareness

Women are encouraged to become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and to seek medical advice if they notice a new or unusual change.

Possible warning signs include:

A new lump in the breast or armpit.
Changes in breast size or shape.
Skin dimpling, thickening or unusual redness.
New nipple inversion or other nipple changes.
Spontaneous nipple discharge, particularly if bloody.
Persistent and unexplained breast changes.

Many breast changes are not caused by cancer. Nevertheless, concerning symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional without unnecessary delay.

Formal monthly breast self-examination is not a substitute for evidence-based screening, and it is not universally recommended as a screening method.

Knowing your body is important. So is knowing when to seek medical advice.

Healthy lifestyle and risk reduction

Although no lifestyle measure can completely eliminate the risk of developing breast cancer, certain behaviours can support long-term health and may reduce cancer risk.

These include maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use and following a balanced diet.

A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern can be part of a broader approach to health promotion.

Prevention messages should empower women without suggesting that cancer is the consequence of personal choices or that a healthy lifestyle guarantees protection.

5. From screening availability to meaningful access: The role of Kapa3

The development of national screening programmes is an important step towards improving public health.

However, their success also depends on whether women can understand the available information, navigate procedures and access services in practice.

At Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center, we believe that timely access to healthcare is closely connected with health literacy, social support and effective navigation within the health and welfare systems.

Our work focuses on addressing the informational, administrative and social challenges faced by people affected by cancer and their families.

Through free guidance and patient navigation services, Kapa3 supports individuals in understanding their rights, navigating administrative procedures and identifying relevant healthcare and social support resources.

Kapa3 does not replace medical professionals or provide diagnostic screening itself. Instead, it works to reduce informational and administrative barriers and to connect people with appropriate services.

The development of our digital social navigation assistant, MYRTO, further reflects our commitment to making reliable information about rights, benefits and support services more accessible.

This approach recognises that digital tools have the greatest value when they complement human support rather than replace it.

Health literacy as a foundation for prevention

Health literacy is not simply the ability to read medical information.

It includes the capacity to find, understand, evaluate and use information to make informed decisions about health.

For breast cancer screening, this can mean understanding an invitation, identifying the appropriate service, arranging an appointment and knowing what to do when further medical assessment is recommended.

Strengthening health literacy and digital inclusion can therefore contribute to more meaningful access to preventive healthcare.

Supporting equitable access

Women living in remote or underserved areas, people facing socioeconomic difficulties and those with limited digital skills may require additional guidance to access preventive services.

A person-centred approach must consider these differences rather than assume that a national programme automatically reaches everyone in the same way.

Patient navigation, community outreach, accessible communication and cooperation between healthcare providers and civil society organisations can help address such challenges.

At Kapa3, our broader mission is grounded in the belief that reliable information, guidance and practical support are essential components of equitable care.

6. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Turning information into action

October is an opportunity to renew public discussion about breast cancer, but awareness must lead to sustained action throughout the year.

The available evidence demonstrates both the progress achieved in early detection and the challenges that remain.

Greece has substantial mammography infrastructure and an expanding national prevention programme. Ensuring that these resources translate into timely, appropriate and equitable access requires continuous communication, evaluation and support.

Women need more than information about the importance of screening. They need clear guidance on eligibility, available services and the steps required to access them.

Prevention is not an act of fear. It is an act of care, awareness and informed choice.

If you are eligible for the “PROLAMVANO” programme, check for your electronic referral or visit the official platform to find a participating diagnostic centre.

If you experience symptoms or have concerns about your breast health, seek medical advice even if you are younger than the programme’s eligibility age.

And if you need guidance in navigating cancer-related services, rights or support, Kapa3 is here to help.

Because access to health should not depend on how easily someone can navigate the system.

Useful information and contact details

National Prevention Programme “PROLAMVANO”
Official screening platform: https://proliptikes.gov.gr

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center
Website: https://www.kapa3.gr
Telephone: +30 210 5221424
Email: info@kapa3.gr

MYRTO – Digital Social Navigation Assistant
https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com/

The information in this article is educational and does not replace individual medical assessment or professional healthcare advice. Screening eligibility and programme procedures may change; readers should consult the official programme platform for the latest information.

References

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2026). Global Cancer Observatory: GLOBOCAN 2024 – Greece Fact Sheet.
https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/300-greece-fact-sheet.pdf
Eurostat. (2026, October 2). Breast cancer screening in the EU: A snapshot. European Commission.
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20261002-1
Toska, A., Georga, D., Christakis, A., Fradelos, E. C., Rouka, E., Sarafis, P., & Saridi, M. (2025). Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 26(2), 663–670.
https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.2.663
Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Health. (2026, October 13). Συνεχίζεται το «ΠΡΟΛΑΜΒΑΝΩ»: Δωρεάν προληπτικές εξετάσεις μαστού με ένα απλό SMS. [Official press release, in Greek.]
https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/ministry/grafeio-typoy/press-releases/14839-synexizetai-to-laquo-prolambanw-raquo-dwrean-prolhptikes-eksetaseis-mastoy-me-ena-aplo-sms
European Commission. Breast Cancer Prevention – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway.
https://knowledge-for-policy.ec.europa.eu/breast-cancer-prevention_en
American Cancer Society. (2026). Survival Rates for Breast Cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html
American Cancer Society. Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html

MYRTO evolves: from information to meaningful navigation

The new version of MYRTO, Kapa3’s digital assistant for people affected by cancer and their caregivers, is now live.

This update is more than a technical upgrade. It represents another step towards a different model of digital support: moving from simply providing information to supporting understanding, guidance and navigation.

For people facing cancer, the challenge is not always a lack of information. Very often, the real difficulty is understanding which information applies to them and what they need to do next.

From information to the next step

The cancer journey involves much more than diagnosis and treatment. Patients and families may also need to navigate social rights and benefits, disability assessment, transportation, employment issues, psychosocial support and communication with multiple health and public services.

Information may be available, but it is often fragmented, complex or difficult to turn into action.

This is where navigation becomes essential.

It means supporting people to access, understand, evaluate and use the information they need.

MYRTO was developed with this principle in mind: transforming complex and fragmented information into guidance that is easier to understand and act upon.

What is new in MYRTO

The renewed version offers a more direct and accessible user experience.

Users can interact by text or voice, listen to responses, choose between Greek and English, and adjust text size. Suggested topics also help people who may not know how to begin or how to formulate their question.

Particular attention is given to the sources behind the information. MYRTO follows a source-grounded and human-supervised AI approach: Artificial Intelligence supports the retrieval and organisation of information, while reliability, transparency and human oversight remain central to its design.

Technology does not replace people

MYRTO is not a doctor and does not provide personalised medical advice. It does not replace social workers, psychologists, nurses or other healthcare professionals.

Its role is to reduce complexity, support orientation and help people move closer to the appropriate information, service or human support.

The same approach applies to caregivers, who often become care coordinators, information managers and navigators of rights and services. MYRTO is also designed with their needs in mind, recognising caregivers as an essential part of the cancer journey.

Accessibility, trust and data protection

At Kapa3, we believe that digital innovation is meaningful only when it remains accessible and inclusive.

For this reason, the renewed MYRTO places emphasis on plain language, voice interaction and features that can support people with different levels of digital and health literacy.

Users are also informed about the processing of their data and the use of Artificial Intelligence, with separate consent choices and the possibility to request data deletion.

Trust in a digital health tool is not only about the answers it provides. It is also about how it works, which sources it relies on and how it respects the people who use it.

“What do I need to do next?”

Perhaps this single question best captures the philosophy behind MYRTO:

“What do I need to do next?”

A person facing cancer should not have to know in advance which organisation is responsible, where the right information is located or which administrative process needs to be followed.

They should be able to express their need and receive guidance that is reliable, understandable, accessible and human-supported.

This is the direction of the renewed MYRTO.

From information to understanding.
From understanding to navigation.
And from navigation to the next step.

Find more :

https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com

Kapa3 joins PERIFORMANCE: From Information to Trust in Cancer Care

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre is pleased to announce that its proposal, “From Information to Trust: MYRTO Patient & Citizen Lab for Equal Access in Cancer Care,” has been selected for funding under the PERIFORMANCE Open Call for Bottom-Up Stakeholder Engagement Initiatives in Cancer Research & Care.

The initiative places patients, caregivers, healthcare and social care professionals, civil society organisations and local communities at the heart of the process, creating a participatory framework for the ethical, trustworthy and inclusive use of AI-enabled cancer navigation.

Putting patients and citizens at the centre

The project is closely linked to MYRTO, Kapa3’s AI-enabled digital social assistant designed to support people affected by cancer in navigating health, social care, administrative procedures and rights-related information.

PERIFORMANCE funding will not support the core technical development of MYRTO. Instead, the project will focus on building the participatory, educational and ethical layer around the tool, ensuring that its future development is shaped by the real needs, experiences and expectations of the people who will use it.

This approach reflects a key principle for Kapa3: technology should not replace human care. When designed responsibly, however, it can become a powerful tool for improving access, empowerment and equality.

From local communities to a national dialogue

The engagement pathway will include regional listening activities, a thematic focus on vulnerable and underrepresented groups, and a central MYRTO Patient & Citizen Lab in Athens.

Particular attention will be given to caregivers, older patients, migrants, people with disabilities, people with low health or digital literacy, socially vulnerable groups and people living far from specialised oncology services.

The Athens Lab will be integrated into Kapa3’s national conference “Equality in Access”, creating a space for synthesising regional experiences, identifying trust criteria and collecting patient and caregiver perspectives on AI-supported navigation.

What does trust in AI-supported cancer navigation mean?

At the heart of the project lies a fundamental question:

What does a person need in order to trust a digital tool during one of the most sensitive periods of their life?

Through co-creation and stakeholder engagement, the initiative will explore issues such as:

reliability and clarity of information,
data protection and privacy,
accessibility and digital inclusion,
responsible use of Artificial Intelligence,
prevention of bias and exclusion,
human oversight,
and clear referral pathways to appropriate professionals when human support is needed.

Bringing together science, civil society and lived experience

Kapa3 will coordinate the initiative and lead its design, implementation, facilitation, patient and community outreach, dissemination and reporting.

The project will be supported by a multidisciplinary academic and scientific collaboration network involving the International Hellenic University – Department of Nursing, University of West Attica – Department of Occupational Therapy, Democritus University of Thrace – Department of Social Work, and University of the Peloponnese – Department of Nursing. simasiaAI will provide technical support for MYRTO-related digital materials and the AI navigation environment.

The project is expected to produce practical resources including a Patient Guidance Toolkit, a Trust & Human Escalation Checklist, a Training and Dissemination Package, and an Engagement & Trust Report.

From information to trust

For Kapa3, participation in PERIFORMANCE marks another step towards ensuring that the patient voice is present not only when new services and technologies are evaluated, but from the very beginning of their design.

With MYRTO, the question is no longer simply:

“How can we provide more information?”

It is increasingly:

“How can we turn information into understanding, trust, safety and real access?”

Because responsible digital health innovation begins with people.