The Health Foundation podcast 60: The upcoming national cancer plan – and lessons from Denmark
Oct 9, 2025
30:17
We've seen real progress in cancer care in the UK: survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and death rates have fallen by around a fifth. But cancer still causes around 25% of all deaths today – and services are facing big challenges. Cancer survival in the UK lags other similar health systems, the rate of improvement in survival has slowed, and cancer cases are set to rise substantially over the coming decade.
25 years ago, Denmark had poor cancer outcomes compared with many European countries. Since then, bold policy action and investment has seen its cancer outcomes improve markedly, surpassing the UK. So as a new national cancer plan for England is developed, where should policymakers be focusing? And what can be learned from Denmark’s progress?
To discuss, our Chief Executive Dr Jennifer Dixon is joined by:
25 years ago, Denmark had poor cancer outcomes compared with many European countries. Since then, bold policy action and investment has seen its cancer outcomes improve markedly, surpassing the UK. So as a new national cancer plan for England is developed, where should policymakers be focusing? And what can be learned from Denmark’s progress?
To discuss, our Chief Executive Dr Jennifer Dixon is joined by:
- Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK
- Jesper Fisker, Chief Executive of the Danish Cancer Society.
Show notes
Cancer Research UK (2025). Cancer in the UK – Overview 2025.
European Commission/OECD (2025). Country Cancer Profile – Denmark 2025.
Cancer Research UK (2024). Leading on Cancer: the case for dedicated strategy and leadership across the UK.
BBC (2025). What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer.
OUP (2022). Successful Public Policy in the Nordic Countries – Cancer Treatment Policy in Denmark.
Cancer Research UK (2025). Cancer in the UK – Overview 2025.
European Commission/OECD (2025). Country Cancer Profile – Denmark 2025.
Cancer Research UK (2024). Leading on Cancer: the case for dedicated strategy and leadership across the UK.
BBC (2025). What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer.
OUP (2022). Successful Public Policy in the Nordic Countries – Cancer Treatment Policy in Denmark.