ALTHEA
Project Duration: September 2024 to August 2027
Latest from ALTHEA
30 September - 1 October: Kick-Off Meeting
The ALTHEA Consortium partners convened for the project's kick-off meeting on 30 September - 1 October at the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO) in Milan. Throughout the two-day event, the organisations collaboratively developed strategies and action plans for each work package. Participants exchanged feedback and best practices, outlining a long-term vision for the project.
About ALTHEA
An estimated 1 in 20 Europeans has now faced a cancer diagnosis. This disease not only takes a toll on the body but also weighs heavily on mental health. Patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as survivors, after their treatment, often face a cascade of psychological and cognitive challenges, including anxiety, depression, fear, and uncertainty. This can severely impact the quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers.
Unfortunately, psychological support is often lacking due to inequalities in access and the lingering stigma surrounding mental health. Many patients, especially those from underserved regions or disadvantaged backgrounds, do not receive adequate mental health screening or care.
ALTHEA works to address these issues.
Solutions exist. Systematic mental health screening ensures that patients are given timely access to psychological support. And early intervention is key. By recognising warning signs, healthcare professionals can intervene sooner, preventing emotional distress from escalating and providing more personalised care.
ALTHEA aims to provide high-quality, remote, psychological support through digital platforms. By designing software that can be easily used on simple devices, we ensure that the tool is accessible in remote regions and to those with limited access to technology.
Beyond supporting patients, ALTHEA will develop guidance and best practices for oncology professionals, promoting a collaborative approach between them and mental health professionals. By cementing mental health support in the cancer pathway, ALTHEA is setting a new standard for comprehensive cancer care.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
