Norwegian government launches new national cancer strategy
Joint efforts against cancer: National cancer strategy (2025–2035)
The Norwegian government has introduced a comprehensive national cancer strategy, “Joint efforts against cancer: National cancer strategy (2025–2035),” outlining the country’s plan to combat cancer over the next decade.
Read the full strategy (in Norwegian).
Implementation period
The strategy is set to be implemented from 2025 through 2035.
Cancer screening programs
Central to the strategy are enhanced cancer screening programs. The current screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers will continue, with plans to introduce new national screening programs for prostate and lung cancer. These new programs aim to diagnose these cancers in earlier and more treatable stages, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.
Advancing clinical trials and precision medicine
A key goal of the strategy is to double the number of patients participating in clinical trials. This initiative seeks to accelerate the development of new treatments and ensure patients gain access to improved treatments.
The strategy also prioritises broader access to genetic testing to support precision medicine. By integrating genetic testing into patient care, healthcare providers can customise treatments based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer, improving treatment effectiveness while minimising side effects.
Eliminating cervical cancer
One of the most ambitious targets is the elimination of cervical cancer in Norway. To achieve this, the government plans to enhance the existing cervical cancer screening program and ensure widespread access to the HPV vaccine. Increasing participation in screening and providing comprehensive follow-up care for pre-cancerous conditions are crucial elements of this initiative.
Read more about the government’s goals (in Norwegian).
Research, evaluation, and implementation
The introduction of new screening programs for prostate and lung cancer will require extensive research, including the evaluation of selection criteria and the development of screening procedures. Additionally, financial impact assessments and feasibility studies will be conducted before the programs are rolled out.
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Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor HADEA can be held responsible for them.
The general objective of EUCanScreen is to assure sustainable implementation of high-quality screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, as well as implementation of the recently recommended screening programs – for lung, prostate and gastric cancers. EUCanScreen will facilitate the reduction of cancer burden and achieving equity across the EU.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s EU4HEALTH Programme under the Grant Agreement no 101162959
