[Shaping the future of oncology together : How genuine participation, more user focus, and partnership at eye level can change cancer medicine].

Abstract

Oncology in Germany is on the brink of a necessary transformation: from self-help and occasional patient consultation toward genuine, structured patient involvement. Patients are not merely recipients of medical services but active users-with insights that can significantly improve research, care, digital innovation, and health policy. International examples show that co-creation is becoming the standard. Germany is also making initial progress, for instance, through the National Decade Against Cancer. What is needed now are nationwide structures, training, resources-and a mindset that recognizes patients as equal partners. In doing so, oncology can lead the way toward a new, participatory healthcare culture.