Significant increase in child cancer survival rates

Kids in Denmark and Sweden today have a much higher chance of beating the disease than 30 years ago.

There has been a significant increase – from 50 to 80 percent – in the number of children surviving cancer in Denmark and Sweden.

The news follows a long-standing collaborative effort between Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen and Skåne Universitetssjukhus in Lund.

The exchange in knowledge, staff and patients over a 30-year period means eight in ten children now survive the disease.

"Whereas before we were able to cure 50 percent of cases, we are now curing 80 percent," a professor of child diseases at Rigshospitalet, Kjeld Schmiegelow, said in an official press release.

"The more we work together, the higher the chance a child has of benefiting."

READ MORE: Zero correlation between stress and cancer

Cancer is biggest medical killer
Meanwhile, cancer has been revealed to be the biggest killer of children in medical terms. Up to 22 percent of child deaths are caused by cancer.

"It is the most frequent medical cause of death. There is no miracle cure," said Schmiegelow.

"Through more and more collaboration, we can ensure knowledge and research conducted at Rigshospitalet will benefit patients in Lund and vice-versa."

Awarded for efforts
The two involved departments, known together as SOHO, received an award from Region Hovedstaden and Region Skåne for their efforts. 

The so-called Øresund Award is awarded to cutting edge collaborations in health research and treatment.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs