Our activities
About H.C.S.
A few words about the Hellenic Cancer Society
Hellenic Cancer Society: 66 years in the front line of the battle against cancer
Establishment and Objectives: Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) was founded in 1958 by renowned scientists with social sensitivity, with a vision to fight cancer in Greece. Since its foundation, the Company has joined forces with those who actively participate in the anti-cancer fight, while at the same time it was connected and continuously participates in all major international anti-cancer associations, representing our country worthily.
History and Acceptance: Gradually, HCS gained a wide appeal in Greek society, reaching until recently to have 115 branches and tens of thousands of members and friends all over Greece. This fact, combined with the remarkable work it performs, makes H.C.S. one of the largest medico-social organizations in Greece.
Continuous Action and Important Role: Today, the Company continues with undiminished momentum its mission, offering valuable services to patients, relatives and the entire society. Its goal remains the prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer, as well as improving the quality of life of patients.
Multilevel action of Hellenic Cancer Society:
- The Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) is active in a wide range of fields, aiming at the prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer, as well as the support of patients and relatives.
The main pillars of the Company’s action:
- Information of the population: H.C.S. implements actions to inform and raise public awareness about cancer, prevention methods and available treatment options.
- Information of health workers: The Company organizes educational programs and seminars for the training of doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the prevention of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Early diagnosis: H.C.S. supports and promotes early cancer diagnosis programs, helping to increase the chances of successful treatment.
- Psychosocial support: The Company offers psychosocial support to cancer patients, their relatives and the health professionals who care them.
- Home Care & post-therapeutic care: H.C.S. implements rehabilitation and post-therapeutic care programs to improve the quality of life of oncology patients.
Continuous supply and full support:
Hellenic Cancer Society, with dedication and responsibility, stands next to every patient, every family and the whole society, offering substantial support in the fight against cancer.
Prevention and support in the foreground
Our goals:
Prevention: The cornerstone in the fight against cancer
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) focuses on prevention, both primary and secondary (early diagnosis), recognizing it as the cornerstone of cancer treatment. We firmly believe that prevention is the practice with the potential to drastically reduce cancer incidence.
For this reason, our informative actions and interventions focus on changing the lifestyle of citizens, promoting healthy habits and preventing degenerative diseases such as cancer.
Primary prevention: Prevention before occurrence
- Risk factor awareness: Our goal is to raise public awareness of the factors that increase the risk of cancer, such as smoking, poor diet, lack of physical exercise and exposure to carcinogenic substances.
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle: We promote healthy eating habits, regular physical exercise, maintaining a normal weight and avoiding smoking, while strengthening mental health and well-being.
- Vaccinations: We advocate vaccination against viruses linked to cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus.
Secondary prevention: Early diagnosis, correct treatment
- Early diagnosis: We play an important role in raising awareness for the early diagnosis of cancer, through screening programs and information about the signs and symptoms that require medical evaluation.
- Patient support: We stand by cancer patients and their relatives, providing psychosocial support, information and help in dealing with the challenges they face.
Continuous commitment to prevention
Hellenic Cancer Society remains committed to cancer prevention, implementing and supporting actions aimed at adopting healthy habits, early diagnosis and strengthening the mental and physical health of the population
What we do
Some of our activities
Spreading knowledge and awareness
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) recognizes the vital importance of information and awareness for the prevention and treatment of cancer. For this reason, we organize a number of activities on an annual basis, with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and awareness of the public, both young people and health professionals.
Informative events and seminars:
- Hundreds of speeches: Every year, in collaboration with renowned scientists, we hold hundreds of speeches throughout Greece. Our goal is to provide early information and raise awareness among young people about cancer, prevention methods and the importance of healthy living.
- Seminars: We organize seminars on informing and training the public and health professionals in matters of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
- Panhellenic conferences: Panhellenic Conferences on cancer are held under our auspices, gathering leading scientists from Greece and abroad to exchange knowledge and know-how.
- International conferences:H.C.S. has repeatedly hosted international conferences, contributing to the promotion of Greece as a center of excellence in cancer research and treatment.
Regional actions:
- The branches of H.C.S. throughout Greece they organize regional medical conferences, seminars and preventive examinations. The goal is accessibility to information and prevention for all citizens regardless of their place of residence and their financial situation.
Information in every form: Hellenic Cancer Society at the cutting edge of communication
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) recognizes the importance of valid and easily accessible information in the prevention and treatment of cancer. For this reason, it adopts multidimensional information strategies, utilizing both print and digital channels.
Print information:
- Free publications and books: Every year, H.C.S. prints and distributes various publications free of charge, such as newsletters, magazines and scientific books. The goal is to spread reliable information about cancer to a wide audience.
- Informative videos: H.C.S. regularly uses informative videos on television, bringing the message in an understandable and visual way, of prevention and information in every home.
Digital information:
- Website: Our website (https://cancerhellas.org/) is a rich repository of authoritative information on cancer, with articles, guides, statistics and with the ability of online donation.
- Social media: H.C.S. maintains an active presence on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, sharing informative content, promoting events and actions and maintaining an open line of communication with the public.
A reliable voice in information:
Hellenic Cancer Society, with years of experience and dedication to information, is a reliable source of information about cancer. Through its multidimensional communication channels, it brings the message of prevention and information to every corner of Greece, enhancing awareness and the adoption of healthy habits.
Support and care at every step
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.), beyond prevention, information and research, focuses on the essential support of cancer patients and their relatives. Within this framework, it has implemented two important initiatives:
Hospitality center in Pylaia Thessaloniki:
- Capacity of 100 beds: H.C.S. Hospitality Center in Pylaia Thessaloniki offers free accommodation to 100 cancer patients and their relatives who come from other areas for treatment at Theageneio Cancer Hospital of Thessaloniki.
- High level facilities: The Center has modern facilities, comfortable rooms, common areas and recreational activities, offering a warm and supportive environment to guests.
- Important psychological support: H.C.S. provides psychological support to patients and their relatives, helping them cope with the emotional difficulties that the disease brings.
Day Care Hospital Unit "Nikos Kourkoulos":
- Modern care: The new "Nikos Kourkoulos" Day Care Unit, which was renovated and equipped with a donation from Mrs. Mariannas Latsis, housed in facilities of H.C.S. in Pylaia Thessaloniki.
- Variety of services: The Unit offers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological treatments and other treatments to patients with cancer in an outpatient clinic.
- Convenience and comfort: Day hospitalization allows patients to receive the necessary treatments without having to be hospitalized, ensuring comfort and flexibility in their daily life.
Continuous offer and help:
Hellenic Cancer Society, with dedication and humanity, stands by cancer patients and their relatives, offering essential support and care at every step of the treatment of the disease.
Fight against smoking for a healthier future
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) is leading the fight against smoking, one of the most important risk factors for cancer. With an unwavering commitment to prevention, H.C.S. implements multi-level actions, focusing especially on young people.
Pioneer in the anti-smoking campaign:
- Continuous action: The H.C.S. pioneered the anti-smoking campaign and continues it with undiminished intensity, emphasizing in young people of school age.
- European cooperation: Actively participates to all the major European anti-smoking associations, sharing expertise and strengthening the joint effort.
- Informative material: H.C.S. has published a vast number of publications and audio-visual materials on smoking and its cessation, raising public awareness and offering useful information.
- Smoking cessation clinic: Many branches of H.C.S operate smoking cessation clinics, providing personalized support to those who wish to quit smoking.
Initiatives with visible results:
- Non-smoking playgrounds: H.C.S. spearheaded the pan-Hellenic campaign for smoke-free open public spaces, with the first step of "smoke-free playgrounds".
- Renewal of anti-smoking legislation: The active intervention of H.C.S. led to the renewal of anti-smoking legislation in Greece, protecting the health of the population.
Website for support:
- www.stopkapnisma.gr: H.C.S. created the website www.stopkapnisma.gr, which is a useful tool for those who want to quit smoking. The website offers information, advice and support, encouraging the adoption of healthy habits.
Continuous effort for a healthy future:
Hellenic Cancer Society remains committed to the prevention and fight against smoking. Through its multidimensional actions, it contributes to the adoption of healthy habits, the protection of public health and the building of a healthier future for everyone.
Day Center with Neoplastic Diseases: Mental health support and care
The Day Center for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Neoplastic Diseases is the first specialized mental health unit of the Ministry of Health, implemented by the Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.). The aim of the Center is to provide psychosocial support to children, adolescents and young adults facing neoplastic disease, as well as to their parents and carers.
Where you can find the Center:
- Address: Paraschou 23, Athens
- Telephone: 215.215.1650
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
What services does the Center offer:
- Individual psychotherapy sessions: For children, adolescents and young adults with neoplastic disease.
- Group sessions psychotherapy: For children, teenagers, young adults, parents and caregivers.
- Psychoeducational programs: For strengthening psychological resilience and dealing with emotional difficulties.
- Counseling for parents and caregivers: To support the family environment.
- Interface services with other agencies: To provide specialized care in health and social welfare matters.
Free services:
All Day Center services are provided free of charge, in person or online, taking into account the needs and specifics of each case.
Contact us:
If you or someone you know is dealing with a neoplastic disease and needs psychosocial support, do not hesitate to contact the Day Centre. Our experienced team is ready to offer you the necessary support and care.
Important: Timely psychosocial support is important agent for the treatment of cancer. Don't neglect your mental health.
Mobile Mammography Units - Screening for everyone
The Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.), with dedication to the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer, implements important programs of free preventive examinations:
Mobile mammography units:
- 12 years of offering: HCS, first established October as breast cancer prevention month, operates 2 mobile mammography units continuously for 12 years.
- Free mammography screening: The mammography units are travelling all over Greece, offering free mammography screening to women who face difficulties accessing health facilities or are socially excluded.
- Significant impact: To date, more than 115,000 women have been examined, contributing to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Free local screening:
- Multiple examinations: In many branches of H.C.S. throughout Greece, free medical screening is offered to economically weak citizens.
- Special examinations: The examinations offered vary depending with the schedule and region, and may include a Pap test, prostate exam, spirometry test, occult bowel bleeding test, and more.
- Early diagnosis: The goal of the programs is the early diagnosis of cancer and the prevention of its progression, through awareness and free access to preventive tests.
H.C.S. by your side:
Hellenic Cancer Society, with its many years of experience and dedication, stands by every citizen, ensuring the access to quality cancer prevention and early diagnosis services.
Sun and Pollution Protection
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) is active in prevention and information on issues affecting the health of the population, with an emphasis on protection from sun and air pollution.
Skin Cancer Campaign:
- Panhellenic action: Every summer, H.C.S. implements a systematic campaign on a pan-Hellenic scale to raise public awareness about skin cancer.
- Multidimensional approach: The campaign includes informative events, interventions in the media and provision of medical advice, with the aim of preventing and early diagnosis of skin cancer.
Treatment of cigarette butt contamination:
- Highlight of the problem: H.C.S. highlighted the important issue of environmental contamination from cigarette butts on beaches and seas.
- Awareness and action: H.C.S. calls for a responsible attitude and encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the protection of the natural environment.
Air Pollution Campaign:
- Update for PM2.5: H.C.S. launched three years ago an awareness campaign about PM2.5 microparticles, which are a major source of air pollution.
- Update on wood burning : HCS informed citizens about the danger from burning wood in fireplaces, especially during the winter months, contributing to the protection of public health.
SmokeFreeGreece - At the forefront of the fight against smoking
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) is successfully leading the effort to prevent cancer in Greece, placing particular emphasis on information and public awareness about the harmful effects of smoking.
Important distinctions:
- 2021 Health Award for Cancer Prevention: The initiative of H.C.S. "SMOKE FREE GREECE", led by Professor Mr. Panagiotis Behrakis, won first place in the European Union competition, recognized as the most successful information campaign for cancer prevention in Europe.
- Honor from the World Health Organization: Professor Panagiotis Behrakis, responsible of the "SMOKE FREE GREECE" program of Hellenic Cancer Society, was awarded by the WHO for his dedicated action in the fight against smoking.
Active presence at European level:
- Participation in European programs: H.C.S. acts dynamically in various European programs aimed at combating smoking.
- Collaboration with the ENSP: Members of H.C.S. actively participate in the European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP), being one of the founding members of the organization.
Visit the website:
For more information about the actions of H.C.S. for cancer prevention and the fight against smoking, visit the website: https://smokefreegreece.gr/
Dynamic presence at European level
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.) stands out for its active participation in European programs and initiatives, with the aim of prevention, early diagnosis and effective cancer treatment.
World Cancer Day:
- Active role: Since 2015, in collaboration with UICC, H.C.S. established in Greece the celebration of 4th February as World Cancer Day.
- Broad mobilization: Every year we organize many events and the information campaigns, raise public awareness and strengthen the fight against cancer.
Greek Cancer Week:
- Initiative aimed at prevention: H.C.S. instituted the Greek week for cancer in 2017, under the slogan "We change in order to live".
- Events all over Greece: The organization of numerous events nationwide promotes the adoption of healthy habits and the prevention of cancer.
Innovative programs of artificial intelligence:
- Participation in INSICIVE & EUCAIM: H.C.S. participates in two important Pan-European artificial intelligence programs, INSICIVE and EUCAIM, with the aim of developing new tools and data to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Together we can make cancer a past!
Hellenic Cancer Society (H.C.S.), relying on the tireless dedication of its members and the valuable support of citizens, institutions and companies, consistently and effectively implements its multidimensional work for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
