Strengthening Support for Cancer & Mental Health

On World Cancer Day 2025, GAMIAN-Europe reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that mental health is recognised as an essential part of cancer care. Over the past years, we have worked extensively to raise awareness, provide practical resources, and advocate for better support for individuals facing both cancer and depression.

Key Milestones in Our Cancer & Mental Health Advocacy

πŸ“Œ 2022 Cancer & Depression Report – A comprehensive study providing insights into the challenges faced by individuals living with both conditions, based on patient and expert input.

πŸ“Œ Testimonial Video – Real-life experiences of cancer patients and mental health professionals, highlighting the urgent need for integrated care.

πŸ“Œ The “Empower and Connect” Toolkit – Launched in 2023 with Cancer Patients Europe (CPE) and We Will Care, this toolkit provides practical coping strategies, support networks, and guidance for navigating cancer and depression.

πŸ“Œ Social Media Awareness Campaign – A week-long initiative that engaged thousands in conversations about the crucial intersection of cancer and mental health.

Expanding Our Impact: ALTHEA – Tackling Mental Health in Cancer Patients and Families

At the end of 2024, GAMIAN-Europe expanded its efforts by joining ALTHEA: Tackling Mental Health in Cancer Patients and Their Families, a European-funded project.

πŸ”Ή What is ALTHEA?
ALTHEA is a web-based platform designed to screen and address mental health issues in cancer patients and caregivers. It offers systematic screenings to identify at-risk individuals and provides tailored psychological support. Additionally, it equips healthcare providers with tools for early detection and personalized care, ensuring better mental well-being throughout the cancer journey.

πŸ”Ή GAMIAN-Europe’s Role
As a key partner, GAMIAN-Europe contributes to:
βœ” Project coordination & management – Ensuring smooth collaboration among 26 partners across 16 countries.
βœ” Stakeholder engagement & policy outreach – Advocating for the integration of mental health into cancer care policies.
βœ” Patient advocacy & ethical oversight – Representing the voices of patients, caregivers, and families in designing the platform.
βœ” Dissemination & communication – Ensuring the platform reaches a broad audience, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient organizations.

Through ALTHEA, GAMIAN-Europe aims to amplify awareness and access to mental health support in cancer care, ensuring that patients and caregivers receive the psychological support they need.

Looking Ahead: A New Hub for Mental Health & Cancer (Launching in May 2025)

In May 2025, GAMIAN-Europe will launch a dedicated hub to further support mental health patients with cancer.

πŸ”Ή What will the hub offer?
βœ” A centralised platform where patients can easily find information on how to seek help
βœ” A directory of useful resources to improve quality of life
βœ” Information on peer support networks, professional assistance, and self-care strategies
βœ” Practical guidance on navigating mental health and cancer services across Europe

This hub will be an essential step toward ensuring that no one faces the dual challenge of cancer and mental health alone.

Our Commitment to Change

As we reflect on our achievements and reaffirm our commitment, we invite patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to revisit our resources and engage with our initiatives.

πŸ”— Access our resources here

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