Cancer Control
Sweden is a pioneer in cancer control, with strong foundations for precision health and medicine. Collaboration between universities, healthcare and the life science industry drives innovation in cancer care. Swedish companies contribute with cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, radiation therapies, digital diagnostics and smart tools for monitoring and follow-up. Will you join Sweden in advancing the future of cancer care?
The Challenge
The global fight against cancer: challenges and opportunities
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 - around one in six. That same year, 19.3 million new cancer cases were recorded. As populations grow and age, the number of cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Yet, an estimated 30–50% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and proven prevention strategies. Early detection and timely treatment are also crucial to reducing the burden of disease.
How can we work together to turn this global challenge into lasting progress?
Swedish Excellence
Quality and Efficiency in Swedish cancer care
Sweden ranks highly in international comparisons of cancer care, with outcomes such as lower mortality and longer survival. National initiatives to improve access and equity include the implementation of standardised care pathways, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment, strong patient-provider communication and coordinated care. Sweden is also a pioneer in cancer control, with excellent conditions for implementing precision health and medicine. In 2024, the government adopted an updated national cancer strategy, building on the original 2009 framework. The new strategy emphasises patient-centred care, equity, prevention, and coordinated support throughout the cancer journey—including rehabilitation.
Together We Can Defeat Cancer
Close collaboration between universities, healthcare providers and the life science industry has been key to Sweden’s success in cancer care. Swedish companies drive progress through advanced pharmaceutical and radiation therapies, digital diagnostics, and smart tools for monitoring and follow-up.
Swedish international collaborations and export promoting activities:
- March 2024: Sweden and the US have entered into a bilateral cooperation agreement on cancer research and care.
Download: Implementing Arrangement 240313 (pdf 1 MB)
Quiz
Quiz
Is cancer a leading cause of death globally?
The correct answer is❌False. Every sixth death in the world is due to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death – second only to cardiovascular diseases.
Is cancer incidence for women higher than for men in Sweden?
The correct answer is❌False. The number of deaths caused by cancer among men in Sweden was higher than the number of cancer deaths among women in all years during the period from 2009 to 2020. For both men and women, the number of cancer deaths were generally decreasing over the period. In 2020, the death rate from cancer was around 237 deaths per hundred thousand inhabitants among men and around 217 among women.
Is lung cancer the most common cancer form globally?
The correct answer is❌False. Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer worldwide. It is the most common cancer in men and the 2nd most common cancer in women.
Is the survival rate for children getting cancer in Sweden 85%?
The correct answer is ✅True. In Sweden, nearly one child a day is diagnosed with cancer, and about 1,000 children and teens are under treatment. Around 85% survive, thanks to major progress in the past 40 years in research, treatment and nursing. Treating a child with cancer is a special situation for the health care system. The sick child is not the only victim – the entire family’s life changes. In addition to medical care, the young patient, his or her siblings and parents also need support. For example, children with cancer need support for their schooling, and their families need accommodation at the hospital.
Publications
Latest publications and Swedish actors within this area
Treating and Defeating Cancer - the Swedish way
As part of Swecare's work to showcase areas of excellence in Swedish healthcare and life science, we have created this interactive brochure on cancer care and Swedish solutions.
Treating and Defeating cancer - the Swedish way
2023 Swedish Cancer Society Report – Clinical research
The Swedish Cancer Society work to beat cancer faster through financing the best cancer research in Sweden. Read their latest Cancer Society Report.
Download the full report
Vision Zero Cancer
A vision-driven innovation milieu financed by the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova. View a presentation about why, how and with what Vision Zero Cancer works as well as information about the organisation, core team and reference group.
Visit www.visionzerocancer.com
Europe’s Beating Cancer: implementation roadmap
The European Commission has published an implementation roadmap and progress indicators for Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to monitor developments on the ten flagship initiatives as well as its other actions. Vision Zero Cancer was involved in the consultation processes around the development of the plan almost a year ago.
Europe’s Beating Cancer: implementation roadmap
