[Future requirements for oncological care: Challenges due to demographic change]

Abstract

Background: One of the major challenges of demographic change in Germany is the increase in the number of cancer patients. Urology is one of the most affected medical disciplines due to bladder and prostate cancer. This quantitative challenge coincides with a qualitative challenge through targeted oncology and a number of innovative drugs.

Objectives: The task becomes even more complicated when considering the parallel increase of other diseases in the same patients. Severe comorbidity may limit oncological options. The future demands for oncology can be summarized as the following: higher incidence of cancer patients, more complex diagnostic workup and treatment, longer overall survival with cancer, increase in comorbidity, and higher need for oncologically trained physicians. High-quality and comprehensive cancer care in all geographic regions needs intensification of basic and healthcare research in close cooperation with networks of treating physicians.

Conclusion: Oncologists have to be prepared for life-long learning, cooperative patient care, and for integration of other medical professions.

Keywords: Comorbidity; Incidence; Neoplasms; Oncology; Urology.