Today’s news / New cancer plan’s focus is post-treatment care
In March 2023, the Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde (V), held a press conference about challenges in the field of cancer. This was prompted by a cancer case from the Central Denmark Region. On Wednesday, she will receive the Health Authority's professional recommendations for an upcoming cancer plan, which is expected in the autumn. Photo: Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix

New cancer plan’s focus is post-treatment care

Health authorities in Denmark have submitted 11 recommendations for a new cancer plan, emphasizing support for patients experiencing late effects of cancer treatment. Health minister Sophie Løhde praised the progress in cancer treatment over the last 20 years, acknowledging that while survival rates have improved, the journey isn’t over. Proposed measures include evaluating the need for late-effect interventions in all cancer patient journeys and standardized nationwide procedures. Existing clinics offer various late-effect treatments, but more complex cases may require regional solutions. The rise in cancer survivors—with 396,775 living with or cured of cancer by the end of 2023—highlights the growing need for equal access to post-cancer care, irrespective of residency or education. Up to 70% of cancer patients experience late effects such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.