Korina Pateli-Bell: “We are companions of people living with lung cancer”
Healthmag
Interview: Martha Fragkaki
- Mrs Pateli, as President of FairLife Lung Cancer Care, we would like you to talk to us about the value of the cancer patients’ correct information and awareness, about the disease.
The moment we face the cancer diagnosis, our life changes radically. Uncertainty, fear and many questions. At this difficult time, we need allies. Correct information is a very useful ally. It helps us understand the disease, and “control“ it in a way. We avoid the unnecessary anxiety of misinformation. At the same time, when we know the treatments available, the side-effects, and the ways to manage the new daily life, we can better collaborate with our doctors and make informed decisions about our health. Correct information is also beneficial for the families, as it helps them better support the patient.
When we founded FairLife L.C.C. In 2020, own of our key objectives aws, and still is, to empower patients and their families through support and awareness. We should mention here the 4 annual information conferences, the 1st award -winning digital information library “Learn Act Hope“ with rich audiovisual material on lung cancer. In 2024 launched the initiative “Lung Health” – with local events at selected areas of Greece, podcasts, video animation and information material. Thousands fellow citizens were benefited by the Information Line – FairLine 111 57, with guidance and information about the support programs.
At FairLife, we believe that there is no place for illiteracy when it comes to health issues! Informed patients are stronger and mentally shielded to cross the path of cancer with hope.
- The 9th LuCE Report, titled “Empowering voices: Knowledge and decision-making among people impacted by lung cancer in Europe”, concluded that “People affected by lung cancer face information barriers and require greater involvement in treatment decision-making.” Would you like to make a comment on that?
The conclusions of the 9th Report of Lung Cancer Europe are a far cry from the ideal situation for our patients. First, I would like to mention that FairLife L.C.C., as an active member of LuCE, undertook this year, too, to share the 9th Report of the European organisation in Greece. Indeed, 40.2% of the participants considered inadequate the information provided to the after the diagnosis. The main information barriers were related to difficulties in understanding (39.0%), lack of information (32.9%) and lack of clarity in communication (32.5%). Only 47.1% received and understood all necessary information before signing their informed consent, while 50% was not informed of alternative treatments. There were significant deficiencies in the information on the side effects (51.8%), expected outcomes (53.6%) and treatment mechanisms (59.6%). 90% searched for additional information outside the health system, but 25% found it inaccurate or unavailable. Overall, the people concerned tried to be informed via the Internet (83.0%), from the medical staff (54.6%), patients’ organisations (49.6%) and the friendly/professional environment (48.9%).
What should we do? Ensure communication with our patients, give them clear information, enhance the role of specialized nurses, speak to them in plain and understandable language about the treatment options and the side-effects, provide them with the psychological support they need in every step after the diagnosis.
- Do you think there are still stereotypes around cancer patients, even more about lung cancer patients? If so, what actions should be taken to eliminate this mindset?
Unfortunately, stereotypes, especially fro lung cancer, are a reality. The stigma of the disease, that is related to the smoking history, is a serious matter that appears to be affecting research funding and brings guilt and negative psychology. Moreover, it overlooks other risk factors, such as environmental pollution, hereditary factors, exposure to chemical substances and our lifestyle. A recent study of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) showed that lung cancer in non-smokers is estimated to be the 5th cause of death from cancer worldwide.
FairLife L.C.C. opened the discussion up by implementing the campaign “Ask the right question”, that was carried out in Greece for the 1st time in Europe, against the smoker’s stigma.
And of course we talk about tobacco, and we try to prevent people from smoking and vaping, especially young people. But, at the same time, we also them inform about the smoking cessation clinics. And we treat each patient equally, with love and with the care they deserve and that each person deserves when they are ill.
- Recently, the Minister of Health referred to two critical interventions related to cancer patients. First, adopting a separate budget for compensation of biomarkers by the State, and second, the completion and full operation of the National Register of Neoplastic Diseases. Please tell us your opinion.
We welcome both major interventions.
Biomarkers are the key to personalised treatment, because they bring Precision Medicine closer to each patient’s needs. Part of the mission of FairLife L.C.C. has always been the awareness on the value of integrated molecular testing in lung cancer treatment. At the annual conference of the organisation, that is organised every November- Lung Cancer Awareness Month-, we devote a large part of the conversation to the need for compensation of biomarkers by the State and to equal access to innovation for everyone. Regarding the National Register of Neoplastic Diseases, the decision was announced at the 9th conference of the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), which I had the pleasure to attend. It is something we had been waiting for years and it will dramatically change the landscape in the services provided to patients across Greece, and it will help shape health policies closer to the patients’ needs.
- The mission of FairLife Lung Cancer Care is to support lung cancer patients throughout their difficult journey, from diagnosis to treatment, and, at the same time, to raise awareness of the causes of the disease among the wider public, aiming to the prevention and early detection. In which ways do you achieve it? What are your plans for 2025?
With actions and collaborations in Greece and abroad, we continue to raise awareness of early detection and the integration of screening in the National Prevention Plan.
We work for the right to information, equal access to innovation and psychological support to patients and families, through the Psychosocial Support Program BREATH and the new FairYouth addressed to young people that have experienced the loss of their loved ones to the disease.
Recognising the need to train healthcare professionals and nurses on the proper treatment of patients their families, FairLife L.C.C. implements, in 2025, an innovative 2-cycle training program for nurses in Greece, in collaboration with the Hellenic Nurses’ Association. The program promotes holistic care, addresses burnout and provides a point-awarding certification by an international organisation.
We’re already in our 5th year of operation. In 2024 we were named Organisation of the Year and in 4 years we have received 14 awards for our social work, which is recognised both in Greece and abroad.
It wasn’t an easy path.
However, our commitment remains firm, to be the companions of the people living with lung cancer in Greece, with action, empathy, and, most importantly, results.
