Cancer survivorship: a central challenge for the healthcare system
More and more people are surviving cancer. Thanks to medical advances, the chances of recovery and survival are continually increasing. But for many of those affected, the stress does not end with the end of therapy: physical, psychological and social consequences often accompany many patients for years. The Westphalia-Lippe Medical Association (ÄKWL) is therefore committed to paying significantly more health policy and social attention to “Cancer Survivorship”, life with and after cancer.
On the occasion of (tomorrow) World Cancer Day, the President of the ÄKWL, Dr. Hans-Albert Gehle: “For many people, life after cancer is a new phase of life with particular challenges. Follow-up care must not only include medical check-ups, but must also include psychosocial support, rehabilitation and long-term support.” Many cancer survivors suffered from chronic fatigue, pain, cardiovascular problems or psychological stress such as anxiety disorders and depression. According to Gehle, there are also difficulties returning to everyday life, work or social roles.
There are an estimated five million people in Germany who have survived cancer, including around 41,000 long-term survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer. In the coming years, the Chamber expects that the proportion of those requesting qualified long-term follow-up care will increase significantly and thus the proportion of doctors treating cancer survivors will also increase.
A new training measure “Cancer Survivorship Care” from the Academy for Continuing Medical Education of the Medical Association and the Westphalia-Lippe Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians is intended to meet this growing need through targeted qualification of doctors. It conveys evidence-based knowledge about “Cancer Survivorship Care” in a structured form and promotes exchange between those involved in the care process.
Press release: The Westphalia-Lippe Medical Association
