Belgian hospitals merge breast cancer care services

Two Belgian hospitals, AZ Rivierenland in Bornem and Vitaz in Sint-Niklaas, are joining forces to create a unified breast cancer clinic. This collaboration, effective from August 1, 2026, will pool their knowledge and expertise in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring breast cancer patients across the Klein-Brabant, Rupelstreek, Waasland, Vaartland, and southern Antwerp regions.

The initiative establishes a coordinating breast clinic that centralizes all specialized care within a single program. This involves close cooperation among surgeons, oncologists, gynecologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care close to home.

"The care for patients with breast cancer is becoming increasingly specialized," stated Veronique Verdonck, chief medical officer at AZ Rivierenland. "Breast cancer is more than ever a multidisciplinary issue. It's not just about bringing expertise together, but also about enhancing care quality and continuity for our patients."

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The care for patients with breast cancer is becoming increasingly specialized. Breast cancer is more than ever a multidisciplinary issue. It's not just about bringing expertise together, but also about enhancing care quality and continuity for our patients.

Surgical procedures will be performed at AZ Rivierenland's Bornem campus and Vitaz's Sint-Niklaas campus. However, diagnostic services, chemotherapy, follow-up consultations, and check-ups will be available at various campuses of both hospitals, offering greater accessibility for patients.

Dr. Vibeke Kruse, coordinator of the Vitaz breast clinic, noted, "This collaboration brings together the best of two hospitals. Patients gain access to broad expertise and a strong multidisciplinary network, while a significant part of their treatment can continue in a familiar environment. This is a major added value for patients and their families."

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This collaboration brings together the best of two hospitals. Patients gain access to broad expertise and a strong multidisciplinary network, while a significant part of their treatment can continue in a familiar environment. This is a major added value for patients and their families.