SOCIETY

In Greece, lung cancer is the most common cancer and the first cause of death. 80% are diagnosed at an advanced stage with 5-years while the 5-year survival rate is only 20%.

Patients experience social isolation, death anxiety due to high mortality and smoker stigma, while the frequency of rapid disease burden makes it  necessary to build a holistic supportive framework.

FairLife L.C.C. focuses on prevention, screening, early diagnosis, the importance of molecular testing, and access to clinical studies. But on its own this is not enough. A holistic approach to lung cancer disease requires and enforces the psychosocial support of patients.

Psychosocial support is a challenge that concerns the multilevel empowerment of the individual, the shielding of his mental adaptability, the improvement of the quality of life of the patient and the continuation of the regularity of his life, of his relatives and caregivers. Taking into account the Greek participations in studies of the Global Lung Cancer Coalition and the European Lung Cancer Agency (LuCE), FairLife L.C.C. undertakes the initiative of designing and implementing the 1st integrated and free Psychosocial Support Program – BREATH for patients, caregivers and family members experiencing lung cancer, filling a gap in information and support regarding the disease.

BREATH has been in force since June 2022 and provides the following services, with the help of modern means of communication, online, by telephone and in person as appropriate:

1) Psychological support

- individual counseling and group sessions with a weekly frequency and aiming at the gradual emotional discharge of patients and caregivers through the discussion and sharing of thoughts and feelings, accompanied by specialized mental health professionals.

- Specialized support to children, adolescents and parents, before and after the loss of a loved one in cooperation with Merimna.

2) Psychosocial support

-direct and valid information on the social rights of patients and based on the Greek legislation as well as personalized support in bureaucratic procedures by the Centre for the Guidance of Cancer Patients (K3)

-free online Pilates classes to strengthen the body and improve breathing in patients and caregivers in collaboration with Just Pilates Studio and wellness consultant Ms. Ainola Terzopoulou.

-therapeutic photography workshops in collaboration with Eyes of Light.

The 11157 hotline works as an adjunct, feeding back into the program with patient requests. BREATH is supported by its specially designed website and detailed service guides are available for each of its actions.

BREATH innovation is recognized:

• the patient-centered and holistic approach to the disease
• the uptake of digital media by promoting the modern trend of digital health and remote care
• in its free provision to patients and caregivers with IS
• in the nationwide scope of the program
• the provision of specialized and personalized social support , information and counseling services

In particular, the FairLife L.C.C. initiative pioneers and innovates because:

1. It provides a service that is not supported by the national health system. The patient is monitored exclusively by an oncologist, without having any psychological support either himself or his relatives, who bear the burdens of care.

2. Promotes the modern trend for digital health and decentralized care-support for oncology patients, utilizing the means offered by new technologies (telemedicine)

3. It introduces in Greece a holistic approach to the oncology patient, which is embraced internationally by more and more cancer patient associations by including psychological support programs in their planning.

4.  It is offered free of charge to patients with CS and their carers throughout the Greek territory.

5. Offers personalized psychological support and counseling services

6. Informs, advises on social inclusion issues related tothe solution of everyday problems through access to the beneficial provisions of the current legislation, the utilization of existing structures and services. Resolving issues related to medicines, work, leave, benefits and their rights,  relieves patients and especially caregivers from a daily burden.

7. Promotes the concept of well-being, physical and mental health, with complementary seminars on nutrition, physical activity, creative engagement and well-being.

The program between 2022-today has been supported by: Founding donors TIMA Charitable Foundation and AEGEAS AMKE, The Lung Ambition Alliance as well as companies Amgen, BMS, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Takeda, PHARMASERV LILLY Euroclinic of Athens and Karyo.