Iceland Launches Major Study on Life After Cancer

By Ragnar Tomas
March 26, 2025

The Icelandic Cancer Society has announced the launch of a groundbreaking study focusing on the quality of life for cancer survivors. This extensive research initiative invites 16,000 individuals to participate in what is regarded as the largest study of its kind in Iceland. The primary aim is to enhance the understanding of long-term effects experienced by survivors and to improve support strategies for this population.

A Significant Health Challenge

In Iceland, one in three individuals will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. While survival rates for cancer patients have significantly improved over the past decades—currently, three out of four patients survive, compared to one in two fifty years ago—there remains a pressing need to address the long-lasting impacts of cancer treatment. Currently, approximately 18,500 cancer survivors reside in Iceland, a number that continues to grow.

The Icelandic Cancer Society highlights several common post-treatment challenges, including sensory disorders, infertility, chronic fatigue, and musculoskeletal issues. “After a diagnosis and treatment for cancer, individuals often face enduring consequences,” the Society remarked in a statement. “The goal of this study is to better understand these lasting effects so we can provide effective support and solutions.”

Study Details

The study will be conducted in collaboration with Landspítali (the National University Hospital), the University of Iceland, and an international partner. Participants will include 10,000 cancer survivors who were diagnosed over the past decade, alongside 6,000 volunteers from the general population to serve as a comparative control group.

Sigríður Gunnarsdóttir, director of the Icelandic Cancer Registry and a professor at the University of Iceland and Landspítali, spoke about the importance of the study in a presentation video, stating, “I encourage everyone who receives an invitation to participate. Your insights will contribute to this vital project aimed at improving the lives of survivors.”

High participation rates are essential for the success of the study. Researchers emphasize that by gathering comprehensive data on the challenges faced by survivors, it will be possible to develop more effective support systems that enhance their quality of life post-treatment.

Getting Involved

For those interested in more information, details about the study can be found on the official website. Participation is crucial for advancing cancer survivor research in Iceland and achieving better healthcare outcomes.

This significant initiative reflects Iceland’s commitment to not only advancing medical knowledge but also ensuring the well-being of those who have battled cancer. The outcomes of this study hold promise for improving long-term support and enhancing the overall quality of life for a considerable number of citizens.