Improving the quality of life of people with cancer
Currently, between 4 and 5 million people in Germany are living with cancer. Approximately 500,000 new cases are diagnosed every year - and the trend is rising. The disease suddenly changes the lives of those affected and their relatives. Nothing is the same as it was before.
Despite enormous progress in modern cancer medicine, many affected people suffer from physical, emotional and social stress caused by the disease and its treatment. These burdens limit the quality of life of people with cancer, in some cases enormously, and are sometimes so persistent that they are still present years after completion of oncological treatment. Many of those affected are therefore often unable - despite having survived cancer - to find their way back into everyday life and pursue their usual tasks, interests and activities.
Based on this situation, the declared goal of the Stiftung Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer Foundation) is to proactively improve quality of life of people with cancer.
To achieve this goal, the Stiftung Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer Foundation) initiates, develops and promotes innovative and sustainable concepts throughout Germany in partnership with oncology institutions, professional societies and experts. The focus is always on the person with their cancer, their individual needs and personal interests. Main goal: Improving the quality of life of people living with cancer.
Examples from the many years of work of the Stiftung Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer Foundation) are as follows:
- Strong through cancer. Development, implementation and sustainable implementation of modern concepts to promote physical activity and exercise therapy before, during and after cancer diagnosis.
- Gaining distance so that the return to everyday life is successful. Physically and therapeutically supervised active trips are intended to strengthen physical performance and to bring back life courage to those affected.
- Creatively and artistically mastering the challenge of cancer. Through the creation of works of art, but also through participation in cultural life, the Stiftung Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer Foundation) wants to give those affected the opportunity to deal with their own special life situation in a creative and artistic way.
- Simply being there for those affected. Specially trained persons, so-called caretakers (Kümmerer), who deal with various concerns and needs and provide support, are intended to lend an open ear to those affected and their relatives in stressful situations and take some of the burden off their shoulders by mediating discussions with doctors, nursing staff and psycho-oncologists.
In addition, the Living with Cancer Foundation is involved in various charity events (Rowing Against Cancer – Rudern gegen Krebs, Moving Against Cancer – Beweg Dich gegen Krebs, Golfing Against Cancer – Golfen gegen Krebs) for those affected.
For the development and implementation of these concepts, the Stiftung Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer Foundation) is supported by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung.
