Talking points

Some statistics

• About 1 in 5 people get cancer in their lifetime (1 in 3 people in many European countries, 1 in 2 in the US and the UK).
• Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The disease caused nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. That is almost one in six deaths. 
• The most common cancers around the world is breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and rectum- and prostate cancers. 
• Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. 
• Around one-third of all cancer diagnosis are caused by tobacco use, high body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity. 

More general facts about cancer

• We are likely to get more vaccines that can prevent certain types of cancer, and prevent treated cancer from returning. An example of this is that Sweden is well on its way to eradicate an entire type of cancer – cervical cancer – thanks to the HPV-vaccine. 
• Many cancers can be cured if they are detected early and treated effectively.  
• It can take 20 years or more for the first cancercous cell to develop to a tumor in the body and can be detected.
• Symptoms of cancer can include (if someone has any of the symptoms, it may be a sign of cancer, and they should get it checked by a doctor):
  • A lump in the breast or other parts of the body.
  • Wounds that don't heal.
  • Abnormal bleeding.
  • Coughing or hoarseness that doesn't go away.
  • Difficulties swallowing.
  • Changed bowel habits or problems with urinating.
  • New or changed moles.

Six ways to reduce the risk of cancer

• Don't smoke.
• Eat healthy and in moderation.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don't drink alcohol or limit your intake.
• Stay active every day.
• Protect your skin from the sun and seek shade.

Facts about Sweden and the Swedish Cancer Society 

• In Sweden, 7 out of 10 people who get cancer survive today. Seventy years ago, when the Swedish Cancer Society was founded, the survival rate was 1 in 3. 
• 65 000 lives have been saved in the past 25 years thanks to cancer research and preventive work.  
• The Swedish Cancer Society is an independent, non-profit organisation in Sweden.
• They are the largest fundraising organisation in Sweden, currently supporting around 600 different research projects and over 100 research positions.
• They don't get any governmental support. Their work relies entirely on donations from individuals and businesses. 
• The goal is to beat cancer.