CETEM and AYAC collaborate to improve the health of young people who have suffered from cancer

Within thr framework of the European MAYA project, CETEM y AYAC, the Yecla Cancer Aid Association, have signed this agreement with the aim of establishing pilot experiences within certain phases of this project. However, the agreement establishes a long-term collaboration strategy between both entities.

The agreement was signed at the end of December at CETEM’s premises by Pedro Arcas, president of CETEM, and Desirée García, president of AYAC, marking the beginning of a strategic alliance that combines technological innovation and social commitment to improve the lives of people who have suffered or are suffering from some form of cancer.

This collaboration is conceived as a two-way symbiosis, in which AYAC’s experience, knowledge and proximity to people affected by cancer will enrich the development of the MAYA project, while the project itself will provide innovative tools, technological knowledge and new perspectives aimed at improving the quality of life of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

The MAYA project aims to support adolescents and young adults (AYA) who have suffered from cancer so that they can actively manage their cardiovascular health, with a particular focus on the late effects of cardiotoxicity from cancer treatments. To this end, the project is committed to advanced digital solutions that promote prevention, self-care and continuous monitoring.

Among MAYA’s main innovations is the use of the iCARE health portal, a digital platform that integrates a smart mirror and a conversational agent based on Artificial Intelligence. MAYA’s smart mirror is the visible face of the iCARE digital platform in the home, acting as a silent health companion. Through this mirror and various connected devices, data on the person’s condition (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure or activity level) is collected, displayed in an understandable way and, using AI, converted into reminders, lifestyle advice and early warnings when possible warning signs are detected, encouraging consultation with healthcare professionals when necessary.

Behind this mirror, iCARE functions as a genuine health portal for adolescents and young adults, integrating and analysing all this information to offer personalised recommendations and continuous monitoring. In this way, the platform not only helps to monitor the emergence of potential problems, but also supports cancer survivors in adopting healthier lifestyle habits in the long term.

The collaboration with AYAC will enable the incorporation of a real test on people who have suffered from cancer and who are part of its associative environment, promoting a more humane, accessible design that is aligned with the real needs of these patients. At the same time, AYAC will be able to learn first-hand about emerging technological solutions aimed at digital health and long-term well-being.