The CSF strengthens cancer research and expertise
Grants
Grants for cancer research. In 2024, the total sum of grants was about €7.82 million. This sum was used to fund 178 researchers or research groups (Appendix). In 2024, Cancer Foundation Finland had two grant disbursements: in the spring, 70 travel grants were awarded, and in the autumn, two major grants, 70 other grants for research groups, and 36 doctoral thesis grants were awarded.
The principles of applying for grants and award criteria for grants are reviewed annually, and Cancer Foundation Finland’s experts met in May to assess development needs. In 2024, the principles of research funding remained largely unchanged. Grant decisions are based on expert evaluations made by the Foundation’s evaluation committees and the recommendations of the Grant Committee.
Other scientific support
Support for the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Mass Screening Registry. The Finnish Cancer Registry and the associated Mass Screening Registry receive funding through the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in the form of a state subsidy for the maintenance of their basic functions as defined by legislation. Cancer Foundation Finland has supported the registries with €1,150,000 annually. In addition, Cancer Foundation Finland funds the position of an epidemiological researcher at the Finnish Cancer Registry (total cost €60,000). This position is intended for a researcher preparing a doctoral dissertation.
The Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute. Cooperation between Cancer Foundation Finland and the Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute is based on an agreement signed in 2023. It defines the forms and resources of cooperation, i.e., the principles related to the funding of the Cancer Institute’s research activities and other operations. Cancer Foundation Finland allocated €360,000 in support to the Cancer Institute in accordance with the agreement. In 2024, Cancer Foundation Finland’s funding supported two Pink Ribbon research professors (3-year positions) and two Pink Ribbon cancer researchers (2-year positions).
Through the Nordic Cancer Union (NCU), €207,000 was allocated to fund joint Nordic cancer research projects.
The Finnish Cancer Registry as a national data repository and information service provider Compilation of cancer cases.
The Finnish Cancer Registry maintains national registry data on all cancers and cancer screenings in Finland on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). In 2024, a case summary was produced in the Cancer Registry for each new cancer case, compiling key information on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed. Case summaries are produced both automatically and by persons trained in registration. For information products produced by the Cancer Registry, see section 4a.
Cancer Foundation symposium
Since 1974, Cancer Foundation Finland has held an annual symposium (except during the pandemic years) for doctors and other experts involved in cancer treatment and diagnostics. The topics covered at the symposium range widely across the diagnosis and treatment of different cancers. The symposia have been highly regarded by both clinicians and researchers, with around150 people attending each year. In February 2024, the 50th Cancer Foundation Finland expert symposium was held in Korpilampi, Espoo. The topic was lung cancer.
Strengthening cancer expertise through grants, training, and communication
Training cooperation. Experts from the CSF gave lectures at universities of applied sciences on psychosocial support and the services provided by the CSF.
Cooperation with universities of applied sciences. Continuing education was organized for nursing teachers on topics such as cancer prevention in cooperation with Turku and Savonia Universities of Applied Sciences. Thirty teachers from different parts of Finland enrolled in the training. Lectures on topics such as the care pathway for cancer patients were given to university of applied sciences students. Lectures were also given to nursing assistant students at the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.
Cancer Registry training. The Registry trained numerous researchers and students by supervising master’s theses in statistics and health sciences, as well as supervising advanced medical studies and doctoral dissertations. In 2024, the director of the registry served as a part-time professor of epidemiology at the University of Tampere.
Strategic research and other expert content
Strategic research conducted at the CSF has focused on topics related to cancer determinants and cancer drugs.
The CSF participated in the preparation of the EU’s new Joint Action on the prevention of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. We are responsible for leading the Health in All Policies sub-area together with the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Cancer organisations also participate in several other sub-areas of the joint action project.
Finnish Cancer Registry expert work. The Cancer Registry, in collaboration with clinical experts, produced the first quality manuals for national screening programmes. They were published in Finnish, Swedish, and English. The national steering group for cancer screening met three times.
Experts from the Cancer Registry are involved in a new expert group on lung cancer screening. The group published an expert opinion on LDCT screening for lung cancer and its feasibility.
At its December meeting, the expert group on breast cancer screening recommended extending breast cancer screening to women aged between 46 and 74.