The Association of Women with Breast Cancer “Alma Zois” of Thessaloniki, was formed and started action in our city in 2008, while the main office of the pan-Hellenic association in Athens has been operating for more than twenty years.  It is managed by a seven-member board of directors and its scientific work is planned by professionals of different areas of specialty and approved by a Scientific Committee comprised of varied specialties authorities.  It also employs two mental health professionals, a social worker and a psychologist.

Our basic aim is to offer to every woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer socio-psychological support, organized mutual help by specifically trained volunteers, updates on all health and labor issues, as well as other extra aid provided by public services.

Another important  goal is keeping the public informed about the importance of prevention and timely diagnosis of the disease as well the mobilization of women for regular checkups.  Additionally, over the last years we have added one more important function in our association’s programs which is supporting uninsured or financially struggling women.  Every year we carry out a plethora of free screening tests in our local area as well as in other areas of Northern Greece, in collaboration with diagnostic institutions and the main cancer hospital of Northern Greece “Theagenio”.  

In the framework of supporting women with lower or no income, we have dedicated a special place in our office where they can get wigs, or mastectomy items which are offered for free.

Every year we run many events and celebrations with the underlying theme of demystifying breast cancer, aiming young people as well, in our attempt to change around the up-to-now-common notions about timely diagnosis and prevention.   Such an event materialized every year is Sail For Pink, a sail run that takes place in Thessaloniki’s bay and is dedicated to breast cancer. Other such events are illuminations of prominent buildings, social events, etc.

The Institute for the Study of Urologic Diseases (ISUD) is a non-profit organization aiming at promoting the health of the urogenital system by providing information, prevention, early diagnosis, documented therapy and rehabilitation in urological diseases.

ISUD was founded in 2011, under the initiative of Scientists/ Academic Members of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.), with the significant support of the A.U.Th. Research Committee. It came as a natural continuation of USUD (Unit for the Study of Urological Studies) of A.U.Th. that was founded in 2006, and of SRHC (Sexual and Reproductive Health Center) that was the first USUD Center established in 1998. ISUD was set up with the aim of supplementing and expanding the actions of USUD through very close collaboration, with USUD providing financial support and essential know-how. Today in its new organizational scheme, USUD focuses on Clinical Research expanding also to Basic Research with the development of the new Molecular Urology Lab (MUL), while ISUD organizes and implements the educational/training actions that USUD used to undertake in the past. At the same time, ISUD develops programs for disseminating information and raising public awareness, implements check-up programs for citizens, designs and conducts epidemiological studies in the Community. In addition, thanks to its highly specialized know-how and long teaching & research experience, ISUD provides advisory and organizational services to third parties (public & private bodies, companies, enterprises) within the context of actions related to its field. Recently, ISUD started cooperation with the Hellenic Urological Society so that through a fruitful dialogue they can soon join forces to better serve the needs of the Greek Urologist.