Govt decides to expand cancer screening from next year

The government has decided to make the screening for colorectal cancer nationwide and expand the screening for cervical cancer.

The government amended the Decree on Screenings on Thursday and the amendment will enter into force on 1 January 2022, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

Colorectal cancer screening will be introduced in stages as a nationwide service for people aged 56–74 years. Screening will take place every two years.

In 2022, nationwide screening for colorectal cancer will be introduced among men and women aged 60–68 years. Screening will be expanded by age group, and all 56–74-year-olds will be covered in 2031.

Colorectal cancer screening is widely used in Europe, and the EU recommends Member States to organise it. Finland has piloted colorectal cancer screening in twelve municipalities over the past two years.

The amendment will expand screening for cervical cancer to cover 30–65-year-olds. Now, most municipalities organise screening only for 30–60-year-olds. The Government Decree will give all 65-year-old women access to cervical cancer screening regardless of their place of residence.

Cancer screening can help detect precursors or early stages of cancer. There is clear evidence of the effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer and colorectal cancer.