The adoption of scalp cooling in Denmark, and Scandinavia as a whole, has historically been a slow path towards offering patients the opportunity to retain their hair during cancer treatment.
In a pivotal move that reflects Denmark’s commitment to improving the quality of life for cancer patients, the Danish government announced in May it is officially incorporating scalp cooling into the national healthcare system through its Cancer Plan V. This marks a monumental shift in cancer treatment policy, one that recognises the importance of preserving dignity and identity during chemotherapy, particularly for women battling breast cancer.
Over the years, Denmark has made substantial progress in cancer care. With the introduction of Cancer Plan V to commence in 2026, the country is dedicating itself not only to improving life-extending treatment but also a better quality of life for patients during and after their cancer journey. The plan, backed by an annual DKK 600 million budget, is the most ambitious to date. It addresses a range of patient needs, from rehabilitation and follow-up care to psychological support and innovative treatment options.
Among the initiatives outlined in the plan is the introduction of scalp cooling after a long-overdue recognition of its ability to mitigate one of the most traumatic side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss.
Hair loss during chemotherapy is more than a cosmetic issue; it can deeply affect a patient's self-esteem, mental health, and social life. For many women, losing their hair is one of the most distressing parts of cancer treatment, symbolising a loss of identity and control.
Scalp cooling addresses this issue by reducing the temperature of the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy, thereby limiting the exposure of the drug to the hair follicles and providing protection, ultimately helping to preserve hair.
The Paxman Scalp Cooling System is employed extensively and successfully throughout Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Australia, and North & South America. It comes as welcome news that Denmark has acknowledged and accepted the growing body of scientific validation and international adoption.
The Danish Health Authority initially resisted scalp cooling, advising against its use as an intervention for chemotherapy hair loss. Citing insufficient evidence and concerns about potential risks, their stance has now shifted dramatically based on years or research.
These findings underline the effectiveness and safety of scalp cooling, validating its inclusion in national treatment guidelines. Scalp cooling is already cited in National Clinical Guidelines for the US, France, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands and Australia.
From Vision to Reality: The Danish Pilot Project
Cancer Plan V dedicates 12 million DKK to a two-year national pilot programme aimed at implementing scalp cooling across breast cancer departments. The initiative will initially focus on women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
This milestone was highlighted by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who spoke emotionally in the Danish Parliament about her personal connection to cancer care:
“I remember when my own mother was sick with cancer and lost her hair, and how serious a blow that is. So, while we're dealing with all the foreign policy stuff, I'm just very grateful that we're constantly taking steps to improve our own Danish welfare society".
– Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen
Health Committee member and former oncology nurse Matilde Powers has also played a crucial role in pushing scalp cooling into the national agenda.
“Since I heard about the method, I haven't been able to let go of the thought. I've met women who have isolated themselves because they don't feel attractive and feminine without hair”.v
– Matilde Powers, Danish Parliament’s Health Committee
Pioneering the Future of Holistic Cancer Care
The Danish government’s consideration of scalp cooling as an official cancer treatment marks more than just technological progress; it reflects a shift in cultural and healthcare attitudes. Cancer treatment in Denmark is no longer solely about extending life, it’s about enhancing it.
David Heathcote, Paxman’s Regional Manager for Europe, has been working with the Danish Embassy and the Department of Business and Trade in the hopes that Paxman can help the pilot achieve the success it deserves.
“We are delighted to see the inclusion of a scalp cooling pilot in Cancer Plan 5. This is a pivotal, and long-awaited, moment for chemotherapy patients in Denmark.
Thanks to Matilde Powers MP and Anette Paisol for campaigning so effectively to get scalp cooling on the agenda, and to Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, the Danish Health Authority and the Danish Government for recognising the importance of Scalp Cooling during chemotherapy.”
– David Heathcote, Regional Manager for Europe at Paxman
Paxman warmly welcomes this historic development and stands ready to support Danish healthcare providers as they map out the specific design of the pilot scheme which is currently is being discussed with Danish Regions.
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