Screening-based research

Screening-based research is critical for the continuous development and improvement of our screening programs. This research also increase our knowledge about early diagnosis and the precursors of cancer.

Last updated: 11/30/2023

Screening programs are important for preventing cancer and reducing the burden of cancer in Norway. Three cancer screening programs have been established in Norway - BreastScreen Norway, CervicalScreen Norway and ColorectalScreen Norway.

The goal of our screening-based research is to offer safe and effective screening programs that lower the incidence og and/or reduce deaths caused by the cancers in question.

Our research also aims to find the best solutions for those offered screening, and increase knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of cancer screening.

We work with these issues in a number of national and international research projects, in collaboration with clinicians, researchers and others.

Research in breast cancer screening

Research in BreastScreen Norway currently focuses on understanding the development of breast cancer tumors, the pros and cons of breast cancer screening, exploring possibilities and consequences of artificial intelligence and other technologies in screening, quality of life and long-term effects of breast cancer treatment, compression force, pressure and how women experience the screening examination, and immigrant women's participation in the program. You can read more about important research topics in BreastScreen Norway here. Some of the ongoing projects are presented here:

Research in colorectal cancer screening

The national screening program for colorectal cancer sent its first screening invitations in May 2022. Research on both colorectal cancer and screening will increase after the program launches.

The Cancer Registry of Norway has conducted a pilot study on colorectal cancer screening since 2012. This has provided the opportunity to conduct a number of research projects.

Research in cervical cancer screening

Research in cervical cancer screening currently focuses on increasing our understanding of the effect of HPV vaccination and the prevalence of HPV among the population, exploring opportunities for personalized screening for cervical cancer, and investigate whether self-administered home testing will increase attendance in the screening program.