Background/rationale
In 2024, more than 900.000 persons lived with or after cancer in the Netherlands (DCR, 2024). A study among 5.700 Dutch cancer survivors showed that one in three does not know whom to consult for physical or psychological problems, whereas 85% of the cancer survivors still experience complaints >10 years post-diagnosis. Cancer survivorship care should therefore be integrated in oncology care. This is emphasized in het Dutch National Action Plan “Cancer and Life” developed by the Taskforce Cancer Survivorshipcare (TF CSC). One of the main priorities is improving coordination of survivorship care around the cancer survivor, through a close cooperation between professionals in hospitals, primary care and informal care providers. We will describe the results of a two-year project (2020-2022).
Methods
Since 2020 primary care professionals (physical therapists, dieticians, etc.) in the Netherlands collaborate more and more in networks, also in cancer care. In this project, we aimed to accelerate and harmonize the organization of oncology care networks, through close cooperation with hospitals and informal care providers.
Impact on practice
We developed quality criteria for oncology care networks. Professional associations share responsibility for quality assurance. Development of networks in primary care has been stimulated, resulting in an increase from 40 networks in 2022 to 80 in 2025. We launched a website for survivors and professionals. By organizing regional meetings, cooperation between hospitals and oncology care networks has been stimulated.
Discussion
Future efforts will focus on linking oncology care networks with oncology and palliative care networks, in order to get a better coordination of cancer survivorship care. Network reports, transmural oncology care pathways can support this goal. The TF CSC stimulates the above mentioned collaboration, and also the development, securing and accessibility of a comprehensive care offering within the oncology care networks, including social domain. Financing and governance require attention.