15 January 2023

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) has published a new report reflecting on how comprehensive cancer rehabilitation can support a better life for cancer patients and survivors. 

The European Commission Joint Research Center (JRC) estimates that about four million new cancer cases were diagnosed in Europe in 2020 and projects the number of new cases per year to increase to 5.2 million by 2040. More optimistically, cancer survival rates are also continually increasing, due to improvements and innovation in screening programmes, treatment, and care. Nonetheless, both the disease trajectory and treatment remain associated with significant negative effects, including late and long-term effects. About 40% of cancer survivors suffer from depression or anxiety, and many experience fatigue and physical ailments including pain, lymphedema, sexual and cognitive problems.

That is why it is of paramount importance to provide cancer patients and survivors with rehabilitation services that support their quality of life beyond the acute treatment phase, addressing long-term and late effects, and integrating psychosocial considerations. Well-designed rehabilitation services can greatly contribute to positive health, social and professional outcomes for cancer survivors, while also reducing long-term care needs and overall healthcare costs. Effective cancer rehabilitation is therefore not only beneficial to cancer survivors as individuals, but also to their community and to society at large.

Read the ECL report on comprehensive cancer rehabilitation.

Position paper: A better life for cancer patients and survivors