Received grant in 2025 

DCCC has funded 59,260 DKK to this project. 

Persons with severe mental illness, who are diagnosed with cancer, often face complex needs and challenges navigating treatment due to psychiatric symptoms and stigma. Our healthcare system is limited by siloed structures: oncology teams may lack mental health expertise, while psychiatric teams may lack cancer care knowledge. 

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the challenges faced by people living with severe mental illness when diagnosed with cancer. Several ongoing research projects are working to find solutions, with the aim of improving cancer care pathways - through better cross-sector collaboration and more holistic approaches. 

To gather and share knowledge, the group behind this initiative is hosting a national symposium, inviting leading experts to present the latest research and practical experiences. The event will also serve to strengthen networks among healthcare professionals in oncology, psychiatry, palliative care, and general practice. 

The goal of the symposium is to build a shared understanding of the unmet needs that still exist, and to explore how we can work together to ensure better cancer care for people with severe mental illness. 

The symposium will take place on 20 October 2025. 
Read more and see the full programme here

Multidisciplinary organisation

The symposium is organised in collaboration with clinicians and researchers from Danish Cancer Institute and Danish Research Center for Equality in Cancer (COMPAS).

Project stakeholders 

  • Pernille Bidstrup, Team leader, Psychological Aspects of Cancer, Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society. Primary contact, mail: pernille@cancer.dk  
  • Rikke Langballe, Postdoc, Psychological Aspects of Cancer, Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society  
  • Louise Elkjær Fløe, PhD Student, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital 
  • Mette Asbjørn Neergaard, Professor, Consultant, Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital  
  • Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton, Professor, Danish Research Center for Equality in Cancer (COMPAS). 
  • Søren Paaske Johnsen, MD, Professor, Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University Hospital