Since 2002 the ECL Patient Support Working Group (PSWG) connects cancer care experts who work together on topics such as access to insurance and financial services, return to work, caregiver support, cancer rehabilitation and palliative care. PSWG members share best practices, develop guidelines and other information sources to raise awareness and improve quality of care, and seek to empower the patient voice in national and European policy-making.

PSWG Chair’s Introductory Words

Projections indicate that the incidence of cancer diagnoses in Europe is expected to rise by 21% by the year 2040, in comparison to 2020. Recent data indicates that within a span of two years, there was a 2.3% increase in new cancer cases when compared to 2020, resulting in a total of 2.74 million cases in 2022.  

More optimistically, cancer survival rates are also continually increasing, due to improvements and innovation in screening programmes, acute treatment, and care. The quality of cancer care across Europe is constantly evolving thanks to the dedication of oncology professionals, decision-makers, innovators and civil society – despite the many challenges and competing priorities faced by healthcare, social and political systems in the region. We also now have a clearer picture on how a cancer diagnosis influences  the personal life of people directly affected by cancer and those around them.  

The empowerment of people who have or have had cancer, their participation in evidence generation and decision-making, are all essential elements to improve quality of life during and after cancer. Oncology professional and decision-makers have a key role to play in ensuring that the care provided is multidiscplinary and patient-centred. Civil society must strive to ensure that the voices of those affected by cancer are heard, their needs are met, and their rights are realised.   

We are witnessing substantial advances in comprehensive support of those affected by cancer, thanks to the ambitious objectives laid down by Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP). Yet, the quality of life during and after cancer is an area that requires further understanding and action. The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) believes that collaboration between cancer societies positively impacts the lives of people affected by cancer and their close ones, improving existing standards of care and social protection. The ECL Patient Support Work Group (PSWG) will continue to act to ensure its full implementation and to maximise the uptake of all the actions foreseen under the EBCP Survivorship and Quality of Life Pillar. We will also set greater ambitions to seek continuous improvements for those affected by cancer and their close ones. Despite different national contexts, our commitment to the well-being of all those affected by cancer knows no borders. 

The PSWG was established in 2007, and since then we have put people living with and after cancer at the heart of our work. We have worked tirelessly to support the implementation of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programmes and supportive care, and to enable better communication on the sexuality and intimacy issues often stemming from diagnosis and treatment. We have also focused our efforts on raising awareness and addressing the difficulties often faced by those affected by cancer in areas such as employment and access to financial services. Now more than ever,  we need European decision-makers and stakeholders from the public health and cancer community to help us achieve our mission. 

Thank you for reading and for your contribution to the work of the PSWG. 

Monick Leal

Chair, ECL Patient Support Working Group