Saxon Cancer Society Receives Funding to Support Young Families Facing Cancer

The Saxon Cancer Society (SKG) has been awarded a grant of approximately €285,000 by Saxon State Minister for Social Affairs, Health and Social Cohesion, Petra Köpping, to launch the project “Knowledge. Stop. Perspective.” This initiative is specifically designed to provide comprehensive support to young families and pregnant women diagnosed with cancer.

Addressing a Critical Need

The project recognizes that a cancer diagnosis impacts not only the individual but too the entire family unit. Minister Köpping emphasized, “This holistic approach sends a strong signal – because cancer never just affects one person alone, but always also the family environment.” For the first time in Saxony, a project will focus specifically on the unique challenges faced by parents with small children and pregnant women navigating a cancer diagnosis, addressing both medical and psychosocial stressors.

Scope of the Problem in Saxony

According to the SKG, over 2,400 people with underage children and around 50 pregnant women receive a cancer diagnosis in Saxony each year. Ralf Porzig, managing director of SKG, explained, “A cancer diagnosis never just affects an individual. As a ‘we-disease,’ it also has dramatic effects on the entire family.” The project aims to provide integrated support that considers the needs of children and relatives, and to establish self-help groups for young families.

Integrated Support and Self-Help

The “Knowledge. Stop. Perspective.” project will combine medical, psychosocial, and socio-legal assistance. A key component will be the utilization of navigators with lived experience through existing self-help groups. Porzig highlighted the importance of peer support, stating, “Self-help is extremely important – especially through exchanges with people who have had similar experiences.” He also underscored the need for sustained institutional funding to ensure the project’s longevity, noting it is currently unique in Germany.

Personal Experience Drives the Project

Project coordinator Thomas Heckmann brings personal experience to the initiative. Having worked at SKG for 20 years, and having received two cancer diagnoses himself, he understands the profound impact of a cancer diagnosis. Heckmann noted that many patients are unprepared for the diagnosis and that healthcare settings often lack the time for in-depth discussions. He also recognizes the difficulty children face in understanding the situation, often simplifying explanations for his own grandchildren, saying, “Grandpa needs to rest a little now.” This personal insight reinforces the importance of oncoguides who can provide targeted support to patients and their families.

Project Components and Contact Information

As part of the project, the SKG will consolidate information and support resources, as well as offer online courses for those affected and their families. Training will also be provided for medical staff and to qualify self-help navigators in Zwickau. Heckmann also presented a song he wrote with the assistance of artificial intelligence, reflecting his experiences.

For further information or to participate in the project’s offerings, individuals can contact the SKG via email at info@skg-sachsen.de or by phone at 0375/21186772.