Cancer care in Greece is highly centralized, with most specialized treatments, particularly radiotherapy, available only in major urban centres. This creates a significant barrier for patients living in rural or remote areas, who must relocate temporarily to access essential services. In the absence of public support for accommodation or travel, the resulting financial and emotional strain on patients and their families can be considerable. Limited infrastructure, inadequate transportation options and a lack of economic assistance further exacerbate health inequalities, undermine treatment adherence, and negatively affect quality of life and recovery outcomes. These barriers may also contribute to poorer disease trajectories for patients in underserved areas.
To address this gap, the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK) launched an initiative providing temporary housing for patients and a companion, who are forced to move from remote areas of the country to large urban centres in Athens, Thessaloniki or Patras for their treatment. The fully equipped apartments, located near treatment centres, are offered at no cost to those most in need. Eligibility is determined based on treatment duration (10 days or more) and documented social or financial hardship. Priority is given according to needs and availability.
Launched in June 2020, the programme was implemented through a public–private partnership that brought together the patient advocacy experience of the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), the property management expertise of Piraeus Real Estate S.A., and the institutional backing of the Ministry of Health. The initiative adopted a structured, needs-based approach, ensuring equitable access regardless of geographic or economic status. Explicitly, a trained social worker was responsible for receiving hospitality requests, evaluating the needs of applicants, informing them about the process and collecting the necessary paperwork. The social worker was also in close contact with the programme’s beneficiaries to provide support and collect their feedback.
Enablers: A number of key enablers contributed to the successful implementation of the programme. For one, the strong partnership between ELLOK, Piraeus Real Estate S.A. and the Ministry of Health provided a solid foundation, combining expertise in patient advocacy, property management and institutional oversight (Governance). Additionally, the programme’s clear, needs-based criteria allowed for targeted support, ensuring that resources were directed toward cancer patients who faced the greatest challenges, particularly those requiring long-term stays and those in severe financial distress (Resources). Notably, the programme’s flexibility, for example, by adapting procedures to simplify access for patients and caregivers, helped reduce administrative burdens and improve the user experience (Service delivery). Additionally, the establishment of a broader support network through collaboration with other organizations made it possible to address needs beyond accommodation, creating a more holistic model of care.
Barriers: Despite its successes, the programme faced several limitations. A primary challenge was the limited capacity of available apartments, which sometimes restricted the number of patients who could benefit (Resources). Geographic reach also posed a challenge, as the initiative was restricted to three major cities, potentially excluding patients seeking care elsewhere. In some cases, a lack of awareness about the programme or difficulties navigating the application process may have prevented eligible individuals from accessing the service. Finally, sustainability concerns remain, particularly regarding long-term funding and potential programme expansion.
While the core objective remained unchanged, several adjustments were made to streamline the implementation. For example, a simplified digital application process was introduced in 2021, which reduced the administrative burden on patients and enabled quicker responses to urgent housing needs. Additionally, eligibility criteria were broadened to include more cancer types and treatment scenarios. To respond to challenges beyond accommodation, a network of additional organizations was contacted, including non-profit organizations specializing in psychosocial support, legal counselling and patient advocacy. Notable partners included the social services of hospitals and municipalities, as well as the members of ELLOK, consisting of 50 cancer patient associations. Together, they contributed to a more holistic care model, enhancing patients’ overall well-being and quality of life during treatment.
Since its launch in June 2020, the number of beneficiaries has increased steadily. Annual uptake rose from 155 beneficiaries in 2020 to 298 in 2024. In total, over 1250 individuals have received support throughout the programme. Data on patient needs and feedback are collected through regular contact with the beneficiaries, and help tailor the programme more closely to patient needs. The feedback process revealed a need for additional housing capacity in Athens. ELLOK is working to address this challenge, although securing additional accommodations in the capital has proven especially difficult due to the acute housing shortage.
Lessons learned: The accommodation programme aims at advancing equity in cancer care in Greece by mitigating the geographic and financial barriers that rural patients face when accessing specialized treatment. By offering free housing near treatment centres and including a companion in the support package, the initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to people-centred care and acknowledges both the emotional and practical needs of patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Several key lessons emerged from its implementation. Foremost among them was the value of adaptability. Although the core goals and structure of the programme remained consistent with the initial plan, adjustments to the implementation process, such as simplifying access procedures and creating a network of partner organizations, proved crucial. In retrospect, earlier engagement with a wider network of organizations and stakeholders could have accelerated the delivery of holistic support and reduced barriers to access. Additionally, expanding geographic coverage and increasing proactive outreach in rural areas could have further enhanced the programme’s reach and overall impact. Promotion efforts have primarily relied on ELLOK’s website and social media channels, its member organizations in rural and island regions, and collaboration with social services in oncology hospitals. Establishing strong communication channels between healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups and social service organizations proved essential in advancing the initiative, ensuring that patients were well-informed and supported throughout their treatment journey. Sustained collaboration and investment will be vital to maintaining and potentially expanding the programme to serve a broader population across Greece.
For more information
Hellenic Cancer Federation – ELLOK: Free Hospitality for Cancer Care (https://ellok.org/portfolio/programma-filoxenias-asthenon-me-karkino-kai-ton-synodon-tous)
Contact
For further details on this case study, please reach out to obs-pace@obs.who.int.
