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Like many nations across the world, 1 of the biggest challenges in oncology facing Sweden is a growing number of patients with cancer, including a large subset of elderly patients and those with comorbidities. In this episode, Dr. Mef Nilbert also explains that data sharing issues with other countries in Europe makes collaboration difficult. Two areas of great success, however, are prevention and early detection, with approximately 85%-90% of Sweden’s population vaccinated against HPV. According to Dr. Nilbert, the simple success story is that this vaccination is offered for free in schools to all boys and girls at age 13. This achievement along with continuously improving hereditary cancer diagnostics are exciting developments that serve as powerful lessons from which other nations can benefit.
Guest:
Mef Nilbert, MD, PhD
Professor, Department of Oncology
Skåne University Hospital and Lund University
Lund, Sweden
“This is not the time for competition in oncology. It’s the time for collaboration, especially if we want to be successful in science, precision medicine, and prevention.”
Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.
Additional Resources:
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
