Communication of a Cancer Diagnosis

Improving the Communication of a Cancer Diagnosis in Luxembourg

The "Cancer Diagnosis Communication" project was launched in Luxembourg in 2024 as part of the second National Cancer Plan (PNC2). This patient-centred initiative aims to improve the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis and will continue beyond 2025. The Institut National du Cancer (INC) and its partners have adopted a practical, collaborative approach based on Design Thinking, placing the needs and experiences of patients at the heart of the project.

Key Project Milestones

• 20 March 2024 – Exchange session with patients and their loved ones: The first stage of the project took place on 20 March 2024. Patients and their loved ones were invited to share their experiences and feelings about how a cancer diagnosis is communicated in Luxembourg.

• May to July 2024 – Individual interviews with patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals: Interviews were conducted with patients, their loved ones and various healthcare professionals (oncologists, psychologists, surgeons, general practitioners, etc.) to gather their experiences, feelings and perspectives on the communication of a cancer diagnosis in Luxembourg.

• 11 October 2024 – Joint meeting: The patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals who had participated in the interviews came together for a joint meeting. This provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and work together on practical solutions to improve how a cancer diagnosis is communicated.

• November 2024 – Publication of a report: A first report containing recommendations based on the interviews with patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals was prepared and published at the end of November. Read more

• 2025 – Development of five prototypes: Five tools were defined in collaboration with patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals to improve the communication of a cancer diagnosis. The year focused on their development and the creation of initial designs.

• 2026 – Co-creation and initial testing of the prototypes: Two workshops were organised to further improve the prototypes: on 26 May with patients and their loved ones, and on 16 June with healthcare professionals. A first pilot training session took place on 17 September, and the Practical Guide for Delivering a Diagnosis was distributed for testing. A second pilot training session is planned for late November 2026.

• Annually from 2027 – Evaluation: From 2027 onwards, the aim is to introduce an annual evaluation system for the implemented tools. This will help measure their effectiveness and, where necessary, adapt them to changes in society.

Partenaires du projet

5 practical solutions for a more compassionate diagnosis experience

Developed together with patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals, five prototypes aim to improve the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis in Luxembourg.

1. Patient Logbook: A practical, personal booklet designed to support patients from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their care journey. It provides a place to keep medical information, record appointments, questions and feelings, and find useful resources.

2. Training for Healthcare Professionals: A training programme designed to help healthcare professionals better prepare for delivering difficult diagnoses. It offers practical methods and tools to communicate with empathy, respond to patients' emotions and manage this challenging experience, which can also be emotionally demanding for healthcare professionals.

3. Strengthening the Role of the Case Manager: A dedicated point of contact to support patients and their loved ones from the moment of diagnosis. The Case Manager helps coordinate care between different professionals, answers questions and guides patients through their care journey.

4. Time to Process the Diagnosis: Giving patients a moment to pause after receiving their diagnosis, allowing them to process the information, express their emotions and receive appropriate emotional or practical support. The aim is to ensure that patients do not feel alone during this difficult time.

5. Practical Guide for Delivering a Diagnosis: A concise tool for healthcare professionals, providing practical guidance on how to prepare for, communicate and follow up on a difficult diagnosis. It helps structure conversations, respond to patients' reactions and support healthcare professionals' own well-being.