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Denmark's Cancer Plan: A 25-Year Success Story
3 Feb
Summary
- Denmark's cancer survival rates improved significantly after national plans.
- The UK faces long waits for cancer diagnoses and treatment.
- Denmark invests heavily in cancer screening and rapid treatment pathways.
Denmark has transformed its cancer care over a quarter-century by implementing five national cancer plans. This sustained effort has dramatically improved survival rates, moving the country from the bottom of league tables to a world-leading position.
A key strategy involves AI modeling to identify at-risk patients and a significant investment in diagnostic tools. Denmark boasts nearly five times the UK's number of CT scanners per million people.
Patients like Peter Bogelund benefit from pre-operative training to reduce surgical risks, while others like Signe Damgaard receive rapid treatment pathways. This efficiency ensures 99% of Danish cancer patients begin treatment within four weeks of referral.
In contrast, the UK's NHS is struggling with significant delays. As of November 2025, nearly 30% of NHS cancer patients waited over two months for treatment after an urgent GP referral, missing the 15% target.
Claire Wraight's experience highlights these struggles, with a delayed diagnosis and advanced, incurable cancer. Her prognosis is now three to five years.
As England prepares to release its long-awaited cancer plan, it has a blueprint from Denmark's continuous 25-year improvement cycle to emulate. Health Minister Karin Smyth's visit last year provided insights into the Danish model, aiming to speed up diagnoses and deliver cutting-edge treatments.
