Abstract
BackgroundThere is an increasing number of cancer survivors, including children, adolescents, young adults, individuals of working age, and the elderly, within the Belgian and European population. Yet, survivorship care and rehabilitation are often treated as an afterthought in care organisation. This not only directly affects the quality of life of survivors and carers, but also puts the sustainability of the healthcare and social security systems at risk.MethodsWe analysed the ongoing Europe Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) to identify the actions supporting survivorship (care) developments, then compared their weight in the EBCP to the other domains of cancer control. Following this analysis, and comparison with related ongoing projects, and current infrastructure in Belgium, several unmet needs were identified.ConclusionTo better address these unmet needs, we recommend that Belgium incorporates survivorship care and long-term follow-up in clinical guidelines and care pathways, and considers including indicators related to cancer survivorship in the planning and design of quality insurance schemes, including certification of comprehensive cancer centres. Furthermore, we suggest further investment and support for research and knowledge exchange in the field of survivorship.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
