BELGIAN CANCER BAROMETER 2020 Methodology for the working groups

Introduction

The Belgian Cancer Barometer 2020 (BCB2020) is a project commissioned and funded by the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer. The Belgian Cancer Centre of Sciensano is the project coordinator and works in close collaboration with the Belgian Cancer Registry and the College of Oncology. Although not a member of the Steering Committee, the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) is also involved in supporting the working groups with existing evidence collected by the KCE on economic evaluation.

The BCB 2020 aims to provide a political and epidemiological state-of-play of cancer control in Belgium. The remaining challenges for patients, professionals and policy-makers will be identified and recommendations on how to overcome these challenges will be made.

The BCB2020 will encompass five domains, also purpose of the five BCB2020 working groups:

• Health Promotion and Primary Prevention
• Screening and Early Detection
• Diagnosis and Treatment
• Survivorship and Rehabilitation
• Palliative care

Four transversal topics will structure each domain:

• Epidemiological and political state-of-play
• Resources and costs
• Research and innovation
• Access/ equity/ quality

The inclusion of patient perception is key in identifying remaining challenges in cancer control in Belgium within the BCB2020. In providing an epidemiological and political state-of-play, an evidence-based approach (scientific justification) will be used and international comparisons will be made (European level).
In addition to patients, other relevant stakeholders will be surveyed/ questioned on their perspectives concerning the previously stated domains and on their views on (remaining) challenges and possible recommendations.

During three preliminary meetings and five preparatory meetings with members of the Steering Committee, the framework and objectives of the project have been discussed and agreed on. Following a close look at the scientifc literature and Belgian regulatory frameworks, the Steering Committee decided to focus on three aspects: an epidemiological and political state of play for each domain; the capture of the perspective of patients, relatives and the general public and, the formulation of recommendations to improve cancer control in Belgium (including the identification of needs for future research).

Within a bit less than one year, experts (also including patients and informal caregivers?)/ experienced professionals in relevant fields of study/work will be invited to participate in working groups organized by domains and by topics within these domains.
As for the final result of the project, a comprehensive report will be written mainly targetting policy-makers but also the general public as the reading audience.