Over the next four years, sixteen Partners from six European countries will actively contribute together to reducing the risk of breast cancer through preventive measures involving healthy women at risk, their families, breast cancer patients, and survivors. To do so, MELIORA focuses on transforming breast cancer risk reduction through a combination of engaging activities and sustainable lifestyle changes, all enhanced by the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Recognising that Cancer affects society as a whole, the MELIORA Consortium met for the first time during the Kick-Off meeting on 10 and 11 January 2024 at the Harokopio University in Athens, discussing the main and fundamental points of the project.
Professor Yannis Manios from the Harokopio University of Athens provided an initial overview of the project, which aims to develop and implement innovative interventions to effectively reduce the risk of breast cancer by promoting healthier behavioural changes through the use of innovative digital tools. In this regard, the Consortium will develop a digital Virtual Coach able to generate personalised recommendations aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the intake of alcohol and unhealthy foods, even in particular different social, cultural, and health contexts. Moreover, Dr. Niki Mourouti, from the Harakopio University of Athens emphasised the significance of the development of the MELIORA Virtual Coach, a digital tool deemed essential for enhancing users’ skills, opportunities, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in facilitating behavioural transformations aimed at mitigating the risk of breast cancer.
The initial core phase will begin with a comprehensive exploration of the aforementioned varied social, cultural, and health contexts of 2080 participants, including healthy women at risk, their families, breast cancer patients, and survivors in four European countries: Greece, Lithuania, Spain and Sweden. This analysis is designed to offer a thorough assessment of the progress and impact of MELIORA on the community. Considering this, Prof. Aleks Luszczynka from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities of Poland, stressed the importance of carrying out careful situation analysis and the needs of intervention countries to effectively establish the MELIORA results.
The MELIORA project offers several benefits to cancer patients and the entire healthcare community, fostering enduring shifts in behaviour, contributing to a preventive healthcare approach, and potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. Moreover, the project aims at nourishing a united community by actively involving patients and their families in intervention studies, fostering a supportive network and collaborative efforts to bolster overall well-being.
During the two-day meeting, partners discussed tasks, activities, and future plans. Several representatives from consortium partners attended the meeting: Harokopio University Of Athens (Greece), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), Fundacion Para La Investigacion Del Hospital Clinico De La Comunitat Valenciana, Fundacion Incliva (Spain), Lietuvos Sveikatos Mokslu Universitetas (Lithuania), Brostcancerforeningen Amazona I Stockholms La (Sweden), Pagalbos Onkologiniams Ligoniams Asociacija (Lithuania), Fundacion Para El Fomento De La Investigacion Sanitaria Y Biomedica De La Comunitat Valenciana (Spain), University Of Social Sciences And Humanities (Poland), European Food Information Council (Belgium), Predictby Research And Consulting S.L. (Spain), Centre For Research And Technology Hellas Certh (Greece), Exus Software MonoprosopiEtairiaPeriorismenis (United Kingdom), Risa SicherheitsanalysenGmbh (Germany), Bioassist Sa (Greece), European Health Management Association (Belgium) and Fundacion Eticas Data Society (Spain).
We extend our sincere appreciation to all partners who took part in these activities, contributing enthusiastically to the MELIORA project. Special thanks and acknowledgement should be extended to our Greek partners for hosting the meeting and fostering fruitful discussions.
The MELIORA consortium will continue its activities over the following months, holding regular online meetings. Stay updated on MELIORA’s latest activities by following the project’s social media channels, Twitter and LinkedIn.
