Current developments in cancer care: including the patients' perspective-3rd European Roundtable Meeting (ERTM) June...

National Cancer Control Plans (NCCP) are necessary to improve cancer care and reduce mortality. We have reported previously on European institutional health structures and transformation of theoretical health care standards into a practical approach. For the latter consideration of the patients' perspective was considered as highly important and chosen as subject for this meeting.

Several European organizations have realized deficits in this area. They promote equal and timely access to cancer care since current inequities lead to disparities in cancer survival across Europe. Patients' support working groups are focussing on employment issues, financial services, psychosocial screening and support, palliative care and rehabilitation. They also identified cancer research including patients' views as highly important. Workshops during the 3rd European Roundtable Meeting (ERTM) covered the issues transparency in patient care, implementation of new knowledge and decision making in partnership with the patient.

It was concluded that patient views and perspectives have to be considered during the whole continuum of cancer care. Access to treatment, transparency and including patients into the development process are relevant aspects.