BJMO - volume 19, issue 3, may 2025
F. Meunier MD, PhD
Belgium has emerged as a strong advocate of combating financial discrimination against cancer survivors, offering one of the most advanced legal frameworks to protect them. As of 1 January 2025, cancer survivors must wait no more than five years after completing treatment and being in remission before being guaranteed equal access to financial services such as loans and mortgages. This framework, which also includes shorter delays for less-invasive cancers and those with high survival rates, ensures survivors are not penalised with inflated premiums or coverage refusals based on their medical history. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need to support cancer survivors in their recovery, ensuring they are also socially and economically reintegrated. Equally important is ensuring survivors are informed about their rights. Oncologists and other healthcare professionals have a key role in raising awareness about the potential discrimination survivors might face and providing them with relevant information on the legislative tools available to prevent it. Oncologists, however, may not be the best placed to do so, and dedicated resources are needed. Belgium’s approach, which includes regular updates to legislation based on the latest medical data, demonstrates a commitment to balancing medical advancements with societal needs. While gaps remain, including the reliance on generalised medical data, reliance on outdated prognosis data, lack of transparency of financial institutions’ assessment methods, as well as insufficient public awareness, Belgium’s framework serves as a model for other countries to follow, offering survivors hope for a fair and supportive recovery.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2025;19(3):108–113)
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