– Press Release-
Informative Webinar “Psychosocial Approach to Lung Cancer – Prospects and Conclusions” by FairLife L.C.C.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
The overwhelming majority (90%) of the 632 beneficiaries of the BREATH Psychosocial Support Program by FairLife L.C.C. have expressed complete satisfaction with the 2,723 hours of psychological support provided over its two years of operation. The immediate priority is the psychosocial support for individuals living with lung cancer and their loved ones.
The informative webinar “Psychosocial Approach to Lung Cancer – Prospects and Conclusions” by FairLife Care and Prevention for Lung Cancer was successfully completed on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 18:00 to 20:30. The event featured 25 speakers and focused on the necessity of psychological support for lung cancer patients, their caregivers, and families throughout their journey with the disease. The event, which was broadcast live on FairLife L.C.C.’s Facebook and YouTube channels, was attended by more than 1,190 participants both in-person and online.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the results from the award-winning BREATH Psychosocial Support Program, showcasing its achievements and contributions over the past two years.
The event concluded with the presentation of the book “BREATH OF LIFE” by Christos Apostolakos, a lung cancer patient. Proceeds from the book support the BREATH Psychosocial Support Program.
The informative webinar was moderated by journalist Ms. Natasha Spagadorou.
Speakers and commentators at the event—representatives from the scientific community, patients, and caregivers—emphasized the necessity of mental and social support in managing lung cancer, highlighting the challenges faced by those living with the disease in Greece. Additionally, the importance of social inclusion, improving daily life, and enhancing well-being through creative activities was stressed. The event featured experiences and personal stories, which served as a foundation for discussing strategies and support services for patients, caregivers, and the bereaved.
The event was greeted by Ms. Κorina Pateli-Bell, President of FairLife Care and Prevention for Lung Cancer, Mr. Michalis Nikolaou, Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO) and Medical Oncologist at the General Anticancer-Oncological Hospital of Athens “Saint Savvas,” and Mr. Paul Kidner, Advisor to the TIMA Charitable Foundation.
At the beginning of the informative event, Ms. Κorina Pateli-Bell spoke about the importance of psychosocial support for patients and their caregivers, addressing the financial and psychological burdens of a lung cancer diagnosis. She discussed the BREATH Program, an initiative driven by the realities in Greece and supported by international and European studies, which highlight the urgent need for psychological support for those experiencing lung cancer. “There are many issues on the table, and we continually emphasize the enormous challenge that lung cancer presents at a socio-economic level and in public health. At FairLife, we know that when we all move in the same direction, the outcome is always stronger. This is confirmed by the 632 beneficiaries and the 2,723 hours of psychological support provided so far!”
Mr. Michalis Nikolaou spoke about the role of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO), emphasizing their focus on education and social support. He highlighted the role of caregivers and the need for patients and families to feel supported. “In illness, no one should feel alone.”
Mr. Paul Kidner, Advisor to the TIMA Charitable Foundation and founding donor of the BREATH Program, discussed the benefits of the collaboration between the TIMA Charitable Foundation and FairLife L.C.C. “To win the battle against lung cancer, we must collaborate on all levels. It is important to have a shared vision and a mutual understanding of our goals. By supporting the BREATH Program of FairLife for the second year, we remain committed to the significant effort aimed at the mental empowerment of those experiencing the disease and their loved ones.”
BREATH Psychosocial Support Program – Results
The presentation of the BREATH Psychosocial Support Program and its results was led by Ms. Thomais Sarakinioti, Program Manager at FairLife L.C.C. She discussed the statistical data derived from anonymous surveys related to the disease and the patients’ progress through daily communication with 1,904 individuals from 2021 to the present. The program’s services were positively evaluated, with an overwhelming majority (90%) expressing complete satisfaction, and 54% emphasizing the importance of increasing the number of sessions. Additionally, 80% of participants found the information and resources provided about the disease to be very useful. Half of the requests originated from the Attica region, while there was a notable increase in participation from Northern Greece and areas recently affected by natural disasters. Ms. Sarakinioti concluded her presentation by highlighting the communication metrics of the program, including 1,400,000 total users exposed to the message, 4,850,000 message impressions, and 23,326 visitors who were directly guided to the corresponding page.
Psychological support is powerful and invaluable at every age and stage of the disease, serving as an antidote to the loneliness of diagnosis and loss. Grief is approached as the art of saying a good farewell and transitioning to a new reality. A significant challenge is the urgent need to strengthen the psychiatric sector in Greece.
Ms. Marina Kriempardi, mental health counselor at the Wilhelm Reich Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, discussed the structure, purpose, and goals of the group sessions. She provided a brief overview of the framework for psychological support, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial groups for patients.
Ms. Niki Katsarea, a lung cancer patient, spoke about the positive impact the BREATH Program had on her life. “I discovered that caring for myself is not selfish but a primary concern for my healing.”
Ms. Maria Katsikadakou (Maria Cyber), a lung cancer survivor and LGBTQ+ community activist, highlighted the lack of caregivers in Greece beyond the immediate family and the need for patients to discuss the risks they live with. “We have two lives. The second life begins when we realize we only have one life.”
Ms. Athina Baroufi, an artist and lung cancer survivor, sent a message to lung cancer patients, highlighting the power of psychological support: “Yes, it is a difficult journey, but do not hesitate to share your feelings with your loved ones, family, friends, and doctors.”
Ms. Katerina Paraskevakou, Psychologist-Psychotherapist, M.Sc., spoke about the impact of group therapy on caregivers. She analyzed the techniques, tools, and stages of psychotherapy, from recognizing the problem to developing resilience and cultivating skills to face future challenges.
Ms. Vasia Apostolakou, a caregiver for her father who is ill, discussed her participation in the group and the life lessons she gained through the interaction. “The thoughts, worries, doubts, fears, and insecurities on this journey are more or less common for all of us. This realization brought me relief as I found myself in a circle of people who felt the same as I did, and I didn’t need to explain much. I felt less alone.”
“Psychotherapy, whether group or individual, is about growth. It helps me recognize my emotions, reflect on the causes of what happens to me, acknowledge mistakes, and find ways to move towards what is best for me,” emphasized Ms. Vasiliki Mytilinaiou, a caregiver, sharing her personal experience with lung cancer.
Ms. Betty Cheimariou, a caregiver, spoke about the relief psychotherapy has provided her 19 years after the loss of her mother. “I missed having support back then, someone to advise me. It takes personal strength to manage the new situation, and the help from FairLife is invaluable.”
Mr. Vaggelis Stamatoglou, Mental Health Counselor and Somatic Psychotherapist at the Wilhelm Reich Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, discussed the challenging process of grief and the various stages of loss. He presented the grief group of the BREATH Program by FairLife L.C.C. as a world of love and compassion that offers members a safe space to freely express their emotions and leads them to accept their new reality.
Ms. Anthi Mastrogiannopoulou, following the sudden loss of her husband to lung cancer, described the BREATH group sessions as a “helping hand.” She emphasized the extremely positive impact of psychological support and the mental balance she gained through the process.Ms. Mary Makrogiannaki spoke about the recent loss of her husband to lung cancer and her immediate integration into the Grief Group of the BREATH Program. “The acceptance was immense, and we quickly became a family with the other members. I feel that this experience has made us all more giving.”
Ms. Dimitra Soumbasi, a caregiver for her late husband, described her participation in the grief group as a “gift.” She shared her personal thoughts with the audience, discussing the emotional detoxification through the release of feelings. “Give yourself the time needed to regain your rhythm. Pamper yourself, embrace yourself, love yourself. You need it now more than ever.”
Ms. Lilian Soumeli, M.Sc. Health Psychologist and Psycho-oncologist at the Merimna Counseling Center, focused on the challenges and needs of children and adolescents during illness, as well as the importance and methods of communicating with children about a parent’s illness. She discussed the free counseling support provided to children, adolescents, and parents within the framework of the BREATH Program, in the event of or potential loss of a loved one to lung cancer.
The session was commented on by Mr. Alexandros Ardavanis, MD, PhD, Pathologist-Oncologist and Scientific Director of the 1st Oncology Clinic at Agios Savvas Hospital; Ms. Evangelia Gizopoulou, Director of the Pulmonology Clinic at Athens Euroclinic; and Mr. Dimitris Papageorgiou, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Nursing at the University of Peloponnese, Head of the ODC at Athens Euroclinic, and President of the Oncology Nursing Sector of ESNE.
Mr. Ardavanis spoke about the inadequacies of the psychiatric sector, particularly in public hospitals, and the partial compensation for this gap by private initiatives such as FairLife. He discussed the unique nature of lung cancer, saying, “Lung cancer is distinctive because it takes away a person’s breath, and thus should be treated with greater respect.”
“As a doctor, you need the courage, strength, and empathy to face patients at every stage, to embrace them as people, to highlight the positive, and to give hope,” summarized Ms. Gizopoulou, mentioning smoking as a common denominator between severe pulmonary diseases like COPD and lung cancer.
Mr. Papageorgiou highlighted the role of nurses as vital links and navigators between patients and medical teams. “Patients need to know at all times that there is a support structure available. It is essential to have trained and specialized nurses who will ensure the smooth operation of a holistic health system.”
Main Challenges for Good Health: Economic Hardship and Lack of Structured Social Support for Citizens. Physical exercise has been found to be beneficial for the well-being of those experiencing illness.
“The Role of Social Support as a Determinant of Health” was the topic of a presentation by Ms. Evangelia Bista, Head of Development and Operations at the Cancer Patient Guidance Center K3. Ms. Bista described the structure and goals of K3, highlighting the multifaceted nature of health, its influences, the social factors that determine it, the daily challenges faced, and the policies needed to achieve the ideal outcome.
Ms. Ainola Terzopoulou, Wellness Consultant and Pilates & Yoga Instructor, discussed wellness and the significant benefits of exercise for mental health. “Mind, body, soul, and energy form a cycle. Our breath is also a cycle. Our bodies are made to move, and we should choose exercises that we enjoy, that benefit us, and that bring us joy.”
The book “Breath of Life” by Christos Apostolakos serves as a hymn to life and a guide for others, both healthy and ill.
“No matter how difficult things may seem, hope always brings light.” This phrase was chosen by my father to be on the cover of his book, under its title. With this phrase, I chose to begin speaking about his book “Breath of Life” today,” emphasized Vasia Apostolakou, caregiver for her father Christos, referring to his personal story with lung cancer and the hopeful side of the illness.
“Some emerge victorious from the battle with cancer, while others become stars…” These were the words of Maria Makrogiannaki, who is experiencing the loss of her husband and spoke about the positive impact the book “Breath of Life” had on both her and her husband. Ms. Makrogiannaki has chosen favorite phrases from the book and reminds us of the power of hope in the face of serious illness.
Elina Psimitis, an author, talked about her identification with the book “Breath of Life” and the messages Christos Apostolakos aims to convey, due to her personal experience with breast cancer. “Reading it, I felt as if we had been friends for a long time. I thank him on behalf of many for his wonderful book and exemplary attitude towards life.”
The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HESMO), the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), the National Association of Nurses of Greece (ESNE), and the Hellenic Psy
chological Society (ELPSE).
The event was made possible with the generous support of the following:
Founding Donor: TIMA Foundation
Sponsors: Amgen, Pfizer, Roche
Supporters: Pharmaserve-Lilly, Euroclinic Group, Janssen-Cilag
Event Execution: Catalytica, Wasp Studio, Reputation Unique
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers: Giota Dede, Evi Lampropoulou, Betty Heimariou, Katerina Papagianni, and Nicoletta Panopoulou for their support.
