The Health and Social Insurance Committee has called for improved support for cancer patients beyond hospital care, focusing on access to psychological follow-up, nutrition counselling, and workforce reintegration.

A comprehensive approach to cancer patient care was discussed on Wednesday during a meeting of the Health and Social Insurance Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, following a request from The Greens (Déi Gréng). Opposition parties highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in support outside of hospital settings, such as reintegration into the workforce, psychological follow-up, and aspects like physical activity and nutrition.

In terms of follow-up care, cancer patients currently benefit from a so-called 'Case Manager' who oversees their care while they are in the hospital.

However, once patients leave the hospital, this level of support is no longer available, as pointed out by Greens MP Djuna Bernard, who said that it can feel "like there's a person missing". She underlined the need to have someone who facilitates access to sports, treatments, and a "psycho-social follow-up".

She also emphasised the need for better reimbursement policies, citing an example where a cancer patient, no longer in hospital, seeks nutrition counselling but faces financial barriers.

MP Sven Clement of the Pirate Party echoed Bernard's concerns, noting that once a patient is discharged from the hospital, services like nutrition counselling are billed privately. "Which, of course, first requires that you ask for reimbursement, and that it is recognised as necessary", he added.

The need for improvement in this area is further underscored by the results of a national study on breast cancer treatment, published two days ago. Of 100 breast cancer patients who participated in an online survey, fewer than one-third sought nutrition counselling or physiotherapy.

Health Minister Martine Deprez acknowledged the issue, stating: "We need to ensure that the patient doesn’t have to navigate the system on their own, but that the system is organised in such a way that patients have the information they need at all times."

To address these challenges, an interview with the Cancer Foundation is planned in the Chamber of Deputies, and an inter-ministerial working group will be established to examine issues related to sick leave and therapeutic leave for cancer patients.