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More than 330 patients, relatives and interested parties came together on March 22 for the 20th Cancer Patient Day at the NCT Heidelberg, with around 100 more following the presentations online. This year, the traditional event was able to be held in person again – an aspect that many participants explicitly praised.

For the first time, the Patient Day took place on the premises of the Surgical Clinic and the Center for Internal Medicine (Krehl Clinic) in Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg. With the pleasant spring weather, many visitors took advantage of the open space between the two buildings for an outdoor lunch break.

The morning program included talks on current developments in cancer medicine that were aimed at a lay audience. Topics included radiation therapy, immunotherapy, oncological surgery, molecular oncology, and the counseling services at the NCT Heidelberg. A panel discussion entitled “Patients become partners: shaping research together” concluded the morning. In expert forums in the afternoon, there was an opportunity for targeted and direct exchange with specialists on various tumor types. Many participants emphasized the value of personal conversations with experts, especially on sensitive topics.

The wide range of information provided by over 30 information desks of self-help groups, counseling centers and cooperation partners was also very well received. Many took the opportunity for personal discussions and shared their different experiences.

Image 1: Audience in the lecture hall of the surgery department during the specialist lectures
Image 2: Carsten Müller Tidow and Stefan Fröhling open Patient Day
Image 3: Panel discussion on patients as research partners
Image 4: Information stands in the foyer of the internal medicine department
Image 5: Presentation of the Heidelberg self-help office by Anette Bruder