In a new report from the Danish Health Data Authority, it is revealed that the survival rate for cancer patients in Denmark continues to increase. The report, covering the period from 2008 to 2022, shows that over 80% of individuals who receive a cancer diagnosis are still alive one year later. Minister of Health Sophie Løhde (Venstre) expresses great satisfaction with the new data and describes them as a sign of “significant improvements” in cancer treatment in Denmark. “This is extremely positive news and very, very gratifying. Cancer is a disease that unfortunately affects many families, and progress is important for all of us,” she says.
From 2008 to 2022, the 1-year survival rate for women has increased from 77% to 84%, while for men it has increased from 75% to 83%. These figures are consistent with the latest report from 2023, which covered the period 2019-2021. The report also shows an improvement in the 5-year survival rate. Today, 70% of women and 67% of men diagnosed with cancer are still alive five years later. This is an increase from 62% for women and 59% for men in the period 2008-2010. “It is extremely positive that we continue to see progress. It underscores the significant improvements that have occurred in the field of cancer over the past 10-15 years,” Løhde adds.
The minister also emphasizes that the focus going forward will be on managing the late effects of cancer treatments, which is an area that will receive increased attention. These results are a bright spot and provide hope that the trend will continue in a positive direction, offering many families a better future after a cancer diagnosis.