Oncology in Luxembourg: cancer in the young and new patient support measures

The incidence of cancer among young people remains rare but socially significant. In response to a request from MP Mars Di Bartolomeo, Health Minister Martine Deprez provided data and outlined current initiatives under the National Cancer Control Plan (PNC2) 2020-2026.

The Luxembourg National Cancer Registry (RNC) has been recording data since 2014. For the period 2014-2021, no stable upward or downward trend in the number of cancer cases in persons under 40 and 50 years of age could be detected. The reason is the low number of cases and high statistical sensitivity.

A longer time perspective is needed for a clear analysis. However, factors such as early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and medical advances can influence rates.

Cancer in young people often affects not only health, but also family, work and psycho-emotional well-being. That is why the authorities are developing a project to improve the process of announcing the diagnosis. The action plan for 2025 includes:

• Collecting feedback from patients and health professionals;
• Analysing the difficulties in the process of obtaining a diagnosis;
• Collaborative development of tools and protocols for declaring a diagnosis;
• testing and national launch of these solutions (under PNC2, Axis 3).

Also in development is an online platform for cancer patients and nursing staff that will be a hub of information, support and networking with associations and foundations.

In addition, the needs of case managers are being reviewed and a unified minimum package of supportive care for cancer patients is being formed.

From 2024, screening for breast and bowel cancer will start at the age of 45 (instead of the previous 50). This decision has been agreed with the Luxembourg Scientific Council of Health, despite the fact that EU recommendations still specify 50 as the starting age.

Given that the bowel cancer test is non-invasive and the country has the resources to communicate effectively, it was decided to start earlier than the EU advises. At the same time, breast cancer screening will not be lowered until the age of 40, as there is no scientific justification.

Luxembourg is stepping up its fight against oncology, focusing not only on medicine but also on social and emotional support for patients. Although there is no sharp increase in the number of cancer cases among young people, the authorities are not waiting for alarming statistics, but are working in advance on the quality of diagnosis, screening and follow-up.