In a transformative exploration into the lives of cancer survivors, recent research sheds light on the critical yet often overlooked aspect of lifestyle counselling in post-cancer care. The study, conducted in the Netherlands, delves deeply into the experiences and unmet needs of cancer survivors, revealing significant gaps in how lifestyle advice is currently delivered within oncological care frameworks. This investigation provides vital insights that could revolutionize the support systems designed to enhance quality of life for millions globally living beyond cancer.
Cancer survivors frequently endure a broad spectrum of physical and psychological challenges following treatment, which can persist for years. These long-term sequelae often diminish overall well-being and complicate recovery trajectories. Scientific evidence robustly advocates that adopting healthier lifestyle habits, such as improved nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction, can substantially mitigate these adverse effects and contribute to prolonged survival. Despite this, existing lifestyle counselling offered during and after cancer treatment tends to be fragmented, episodic, and insufficiently tailored to individual survivor needs.
Employing a rigorous qualitative methodology, the researchers undertook semi-structured interviews with eighteen Dutch adults who had survived various cancer types. Importantly, the cohort included individuals with limited health literacy, ensuring diverse perspectives were captured, especially from those potentially underserved by traditional healthcare communication. Employing reflexive thematic analysis allowed for an in-depth understanding of nuanced survivor experiences and preferences, rendering a rich tapestry of data that highlights systemic shortcomings and avenues for improvement.
Participants consistently reported that lifestyle counselling was not a routine, integrated facet of their cancer care journey. Many found themselves in a passive role, needing to actively seek information and support, creating barriers particularly for vulnerable populations. The decentralization and sporadic nature of current counselling approaches contributed to a sense of disconnection and frustration. This often left survivors feeling inadequately guided through the complex maze of post-treatment lifestyle management strategies.
A striking revelation from the study was the universal desire among survivors for a more cohesive integration of lifestyle counselling within the oncology care continuum. They advocated for counselling that was systematically embedded as a standard component of follow-up care, rather than an optional or ancillary service. Participants emphasized the importance of early, transparent communication about available lifestyle interventions supported by oncology specialists, thereby reducing ambiguity and enhancing uptake.
Moreover, survivors articulated a need for improved accessibility regarding counselling services. Geographic proximity to services, ease of scheduling, and streamlined referral pathways emerged as pivotal factors influencing engagement. The current fragmented referral processes often impede timely access to expert advice, which can result in missed opportunities for beneficial interventions during a critical recovery window.
Central to the findings was the unequivocal call for personalized care models. Survivors underscored that generic lifestyle recommendations fell short of addressing their individual circumstances, preferences, and capabilities. They expressed a strong preference for flexible support tailored to their specific needs, comorbidities, and psychosocial context. Crucially, they wanted to feel ‘seen and heard’ by professionals who possess specialized oncology expertise combined with a genuine understanding of the survivor’s lived experience.
This patient-centered perspective aligns with a growing paradigm shift in oncology care, which favors holistic survivorship programs promoting autonomy, empowerment, and multidisciplinary collaboration. By leveraging insights gained from survivors themselves, healthcare systems can innovate more effective counselling frameworks that harmonize clinical guidance with personalized, empathetic support strategies.
The study’s connection to the GLINK project further underscores its forward-looking intent to translate qualitative knowledge into practical interventions. GLINK aims to develop and rigorously evaluate integrated lifestyle interventions geared specifically towards cancer survivors, potentially setting a benchmark for survivorship care worldwide. Through such initiatives, the vision of comprehensive, continuous care that addresses cancer’s multifaceted impact can be progressively realized.
Scientific understanding increasingly recognizes lifestyle modification as a potent adjunct therapeutic modality capable of enhancing physiological resilience and psychological health post-cancer. Nevertheless, achieving meaningful behavioral change is complex and necessitates structured support systems underpinned by evidence-based counseling techniques. The study’s findings emphasize that without systemic embedding within oncological aftercare, such potential remains underexploited.
Effective lifestyle counselling should thus transcend simple informational provision, encompassing motivational interviewing, goal setting, continuous follow-up, and multidisciplinary involvement, including dietitians, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. Cultivating these elements within routine care pathways will likely enhance patient engagement, sustainability of lifestyle changes, and ultimately improve survival outcomes.
In light of the increasing prevalence of cancer survivors globally, optimizing lifestyle counselling emerges as a public health priority with far-reaching implications. It calls for concerted action from policymakers, healthcare administrators, and clinical teams to develop infrastructure that supports seamless integration of lifestyle interventions throughout cancer care trajectories. The insights from Dutch survivors offer a compelling blueprint for global adaptation, emphasizing localized customization within a structured framework.
In summary, this pioneering qualitative study delineates the stark contrast between current fragmented lifestyle counselling practices and the unmet aspirational needs of cancer survivors. By championing integration, personalization, and accessibility, the research advocates for structural reforms capable of transforming survivorship experiences. This work not only advances academic understanding but also serves as a catalyst for tangible improvements in cancer care delivery, highlighting a crucial area ripe for innovation and investment.
As ongoing research builds on these findings, there is burgeoning optimism that future oncological care models will seamlessly incorporate holistic lifestyle support, empowering survivors to navigate the complex terrain of post-cancer recovery with greater confidence and improved quality of life. The compelling narratives elicited in this study provide both the impetus and foundation for such transformative change. For millions embracing life after cancer, this evolution in care represents not only hope but a vital pathway to sustained health and well-being.
Subject of Research: Experiences and needs of Dutch cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling.
Article Title: Experiences and needs of Dutch cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling: a qualitative study.
Article References:
van Aken, B., Manshanden, A., Kroeze, W. et al. Experiences and needs of Dutch cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling: a qualitative study. BMC Cancer 25, 1761 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15186-6
Image Credits: Scienmag.com
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-025-15186-6 (Published 12 November 2025)
Tags: cancer survivor lifestyle counselingDutch cancer survivor experienceshealth literacy in cancer careimproving quality of life for survivorslifestyle advice in oncologylong-term effects of cancer treatmentnutrition and physical activity for cancer survivorspost-cancer care needspsychological challenges after cancerqualitative research in healthcaretailored lifestyle interventions for survivorsunmet needs of cancer patients
