The Danish government is set to introduce “Cancer Plan 5,” a new initiative aimed at improving cancer care by preparing patients for treatment to minimize complications. Minister of Health Sophie Løhde emphasizes the importance of these preparatory efforts, stating that many patients will have a lower risk of complications and better chances of completing treatment successfully.

The new plan marks a shift from the current approach, which prioritizes rapid treatment initiation. Currently, hospitals must begin examination within 14 days of receiving a referral and start treatment within 14 days of patient consent.

These strict timelines came under scrutiny in 2023 after cases of delayed surgeries at Aarhus University Hospital. In response, the government launched an effort to restore confidence in cancer treatment, including a new waiting time monitoring model implemented in January 2024.

According to Løhde, preparatory courses could involve patients gaining or losing weight or improving their physical fitness before surgery or chemotherapy. Today, waiting times are met in more than 99 percent of cases. The minister stresses that exceeding maximum waiting times is permissible only with the patient’s consent and proper documentation.