Cancer research and prevention: Swedish screening success and La Réunion roadmap

New research from the Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University in Sweden indicates that active participation in colorectal cancer screening reduces mortality risk by 43%. The study, based on up to 14 years of data from the Stockholm-Gotland screening program, highlights the effectiveness of biennial home testing kits for individuals aged 60 to 74. While previous estimates suggested a 14% reduction in death risk from mere invitations, the new data shows a significantly higher protective effect for those who complete the testing process.

In a separate regional development, the Agence Régionale de Santé La Réunion has introduced a cancer combat roadmap for 2026-2030. The strategy focuses on four key pillars: preventing cancer through youth engagement (addressing smoking, alcohol, HPV vaccination, and UV exposure), accelerating early detection and access to care, adapting care pathways for specific needs such as disabilities or age, and improving patient support through access to psychological, nutritional, and social care alongside therapeutic innovations.