IHE presents on cancer prevention at RCC meeting

RCC – Regionala cancercentrum i samverkan, arranged a breakfast seminar about cancer prevention, bringing together representatives from civil society, authorities, politicians, and healthcare providers. The discussion was framed by the new European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5) Sweden’s updated cancer strategy – both highlighting a clear message: a substantial share of cancers is preventable, and the time to act is now.

Thomas Hofmarcher presented about the health economic aspects of cancer prevention. He highlighted four things:

(1) prevention and early detection are often highly cost-effective, especially compared to treatment.
(2) 30–50% of cancers are linked to modifiable risk factors, meaning there is significant potential to reduce both disease burden and economic burden.
(3) Investments in prevention not only reduce healthcare costs but also generate broader economic benefits through improved productivity and a healthier workforce.
(4) Despite strong health-economic arguments, implementation remains limited – raising important questions about paternalism and individual freedom, time horizons in political decision-making, and prioritization of preventive vs. acute care.

Name of conference: RCC frukostseminarium – Samhällets ansvar för att förebygga cancer – vad behöver vi göra nu?
Place: Stockholm, Sweden
Date: March 18, 2026