Empowering Cancer Survivors: Luxembourg’s Focus on Work-Life Balance and Professional Reintegration
On this World Day to Combat Cancer, the Cancer Foundation shines a spotlight on the intricate relationship between cancer and the professional world. With mortality rates due to cancer in constant decline, thanks to advancements in treatment and management, more individuals are living with and surviving the disease. As Martine Deprez, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social security, aptly noted, “Many patients live and survive with and despite cancer.”
In 2025, the foundation has chosen to focus on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of cancer survivorship: returning to work after or during treatment. In Europe, over 1.6 million people face this reality annually, navigating personal and professional challenges.To address this, the Cancer Foundation is offering free monthly workshops aimed at training 150 managers, supervisors, and HR professionals in luxembourg.
These workshops are designed to equip leaders with the tools to support employees affected by cancer. As the foundation emphasizes, “The people who occupy these positions play a key role in the return to work of employees affected by cancer. They are often the first point of contact for sick employees and their teams, and their attitude can greatly influence the success of this transition.”
The workshops are structured around four key areas:
- Establishing effective dialog and communication.
- Facilitating the return-to-work process.
- Understanding legal options for reintegration.
- Supporting teams when a colleague is ill.
For more details, visit the Cancer Foundation website.
In addition to these workshops, the foundation has released two free guides titled Managing Cancer at Work. One guide is tailored for employers,offering advice on managing cancer in the workplace and supporting affected employees. The other is designed for employees, helping them anticipate their return and communicate effectively with their professional surroundings.
Cancer in Luxembourg: A Closer Look
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On January 31, the Health department released its 2023 mortality figures, revealing that cancer remains the leading cause of death in Luxembourg.Among men, lung cancer accounted for the highest number of cancer-related deaths (113), while breast cancer was the leading cause among women (82).
This February 4,on International Day to combat Cancer,the Health Department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting patients and improving care. A cornerstone of this effort is the National Cancer Plan (PNC2) 2020-2026, which provides a platform for patients to share their experiences. The colive cancer survey,launched in 2022,offers patients a space to exchange and testify about their journeys.
A New National Health Survey
In January 2025, the Health Department, in collaboration with the Luxembourg institute of Health (LIH), launched the third European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). This initiative aims to assess the health status of Luxembourg residents and compare results on a European scale. Approximately 18,000 residents will receive a questionnaire, with the data collected helping to shape national and European health policies.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Workshops | Free monthly sessions for 150 managers, supervisors, and HR professionals. |
| Guides | Managing cancer at Work for employers and employees. |
| 2023 Mortality Figures | Lung cancer: 113 deaths (men); Breast cancer: 82 deaths (women). |
| national Initiatives | National Cancer Plan (PNC2) and colive cancer survey. |
| New Survey | EHIS 2025 to assess health status of 18,000 residents. |
The Cancer Foundation’s initiatives underscore the importance of empathy, understanding, and practical support in helping cancer survivors reintegrate into the workforce. As the foundation continues its mission, it invites employers, employees, and policymakers to join in creating a more inclusive and supportive professional environment.
For more data on the workshops and resources, visit the Cancer Foundation website. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Empowering Cancer Survivors: Insights on Work-Life Balance and Professional Reintegration in Luxembourg
On this World Day to Combat Cancer, teh cancer Foundation highlights the challenges and opportunities for cancer survivors returning to the workforce. In an exclusive interview, Sophie Lambert, Senior Editor at world-today-news.com, speaks with Dr. Isabelle Moreau, a leading expert in oncology and workplace reintegration, to discuss Luxembourg’s initiatives and the importance of support for cancer survivors.
The role of Employers in Supporting Cancer Survivors
Sophie Lambert: Dr. Moreau, the Cancer Foundation is offering free workshops for managers and HR professionals. Why is this initiative so critical?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: Employers play a pivotal role in the successful reintegration of cancer survivors into the workplace.These workshops equip managers with the skills to foster open dialog, understand legal frameworks, and create a supportive environment. As the first point of contact, their attitude can considerably impact an employee’s transition back to work.
Key Challenges in Returning to Work After Cancer
Sophie Lambert: What are the main challenges cancer survivors face when returning to work?
Dr.Isabelle Moreau: The challenges are multifaceted. physically, survivors may deal with fatigue or side effects from treatment. Emotionally, they often face anxiety about their performance or discrimination. Professionally, they need to navigate changes in their roles or responsibilities. The Cancer Foundation’s workshops address these issues by helping employers understand and mitigate these challenges.
Luxembourg’s National Cancer Plan and Its Impact
Sophie Lambert: How does Luxembourg’s National Cancer Plan (PNC2) contribute to improving care and support for patients?
dr. Isabelle Moreau: the PNC2 is a complete strategy aimed at enhancing cancer care and patient support. It provides platforms like the colive cancer survey, where patients can share their experiences and insights. This feedback helps shape policies and programs that address the real needs of cancer survivors, including their professional reintegration.
The Importance of the European Health Interview Survey
Sophie Lambert: The European Health interview Survey (EHIS) is set to launch in 2025. How will this initiative benefit cancer survivors?
Dr.Isabelle Moreau: The EHIS will provide valuable data on the health status of Luxembourg residents, including cancer survivors. By comparing results on a European scale, we can identify gaps in care and develop targeted strategies to support survivors in their professional and personal lives.
Practical Resources for Employers and Employees
Sophie Lambert: The Cancer Foundation has released two guides titled Managing Cancer at Work. How can these resources help?
Dr. Isabelle moreau: These guides are invaluable tools. The employer-focused guide provides practical advice on creating a supportive workplace, while the employee guide helps survivors anticipate their return and communicate effectively with their colleagues. Together, they bridge the gap between personal and professional challenges.
Conclusion
Supporting cancer survivors in their return to work requires empathy, understanding, and practical solutions. Luxembourg’s initiatives, led by the Cancer Foundation and supported by national programs like the PNC2 and EHIS, are paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive professional environment. For more information on these efforts, visit the cancer Foundation website.
