EHA and the European Cancer Organisation publish ‘Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care’
EHA has joined forces with the European Cancer Organisation to publish a much-needed perspective on quality cancer care in hematological malignancies.
The paper, published in HemaSphere, identifies a set of standards that should be applied in health care systems across Europe to improve the quality of care in hematological cancers.
Setting the scene
Every year, 300,000 Europeans receive a blood cancer diagnosis such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. And the numbers are on the rise.
Samantha Nier, Director of the Acute Leukaemia Advocates Network, highlights findings from a global study of over 2,000 leukaemia patients and 700 carers:
“Our research shows that 90% of patients and 85% of carers did not recognize early symptoms as signs of leukemia.
Diagnosis was often delayed, with only a third diagnosed after their first consultation and 21% seeing a healthcare professional four or more times.
More than half of surveyed patients struggled to understand their diagnosis, and few received information about psychological support (9%), treatment risks (11%), or financial advice (2%).
Only 15% were connected to patient support groups.”
This is not acceptable. While Europe has made real strides in identifying and treating hematological malignancies, we must push ‘earlier diagnosis, as well as better access to tailored information, emotional support, and patient advocacy services.’
The essential requirements
That’s why leading experts, under the guidance of Professor John Gribben and Professor Leticia Quintanilla-Fend, have taken the important initial step in clearly identifying what every patient deserves. Introducing: ‘Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care: Hematological Malignancies.’
The essential requirements are ambitious but realistic targets for politicians, managers, oncology teams, patients, and patient advocacy groups. They include:
- Fast, easy access to accurate diagnostic tests
- Established pathways for referral to specialist centres
- Centralized services
- Monitoring patient well‐being
- Treatment strategies agreed by a multidisciplinary team
- Involving patients and their families at all stages of decision‐making
John Gribben, former EHA President (2019-2021):
“This is an important new charter to improve cancer care for people living with hematological malignancies across Europe. It defines what good quality care should look like.