The Alivia Oncological Foundation has issued a serious warning about the crisis in the oncology care system in Spain, highlighting the alarming shortage of oncologists and specialized nursing staff, as well as the lack of funding for advanced treatments. During the summer months, the situation becomes even more critical, leading to noticeable disparities in access to and the quality of cancer treatment across the country.
A recent report by the European Commission points out disparities between autonomous communities regarding healthcare resources and cancer medications. Cities like Melilla, Ibiza, Algeciras, and El Bierzo are in emergency situations; in Melilla, patients must travel to the mainland due to the absence of oncologists, while in Ibiza, the staff is reduced by half during the summer, indicating a structural problem in oncological care.
The situation is further compounded by the lack of specialized nurses. Spain has 1,106 nurses for every 1,000 new cancer cases, a figure that falls below the European average of 1,376. This shortfall, combined with insufficient training and recognition of oncology nursing, affects the quality of care and jeopardizes treatment safety, especially during vacation periods.
The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) reports that only 15% of young oncologists have permanent contracts, and over 50% are considering leaving clinical practice or emigrating, mainly due to the job instability they face. To meet the demand for specialists, it is estimated that between 87 and 110 full-time oncologists will be needed each year.
Public funding for innovative oncological treatments also presents a critical issue. According to the Alivia Foundation, access to therapies recommended by international guidelines stands at an alarming score of 51 points, which limits treatment options and negatively impacts patient survival and quality of life.
To address this crisis, the Alivia Foundation proposes several measures, such as improving planning and recruitment of staff in deficit areas, formalizing the oncology nursing specialty, and increasing funding for innovative treatments. They also suggest offering stable contracts and incentives to retain talent in the country.
Since its inception in 2021, the Alivia Foundation has worked to assist cancer patients in Spain, developing projects such as the OncoLibrería, which provides informational resources, and Oncomapa, a directory of oncologists and oncology clinics, among others.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
