Cancer is one of the world鈥檚 most persistent health challenges. In Norway, new figures reveal how incidence, survival, and prevention efforts are evolving in response to changing risks and treatments.
Each year, Norway publishes a detailed report tracking the state of cancer across the population.
The newly released Cancer in Norway 2024 offers the latest insight into this important aspect of the Norwegian healthcare system.
the country鈥檚 most common cancers, trends in diagnosis and mortality, and how survival rates are improving thanks to advances in treatment and early detection. Here鈥檚 what the latest data tells us about cancer in Norway.
A Snapshot of Cancer in Norway Today
In 2024, a total of 38,811 new cancer cases were diagnosed in Norway. Men accounted for just over half of these cases, while the remainder were in women.
Although the total number of cases remains high, there are signs of progress. Over the past five years, the overall cancer incidence rate among men has declined, while the rate among women has seen a slight increase.
These figures are adjusted for the population's age distribution to provide a more accurate comparison over time.
The Most Common Cancers in Norway
The most frequently diagnosed cancers in Norway remain consistent with previous years, although there are notable differences between men and women.
In men, prostate cancer continues to top the list, followed by lung cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, colon cancer, and melanoma.
Among women, breast cancer remains the most common diagnosis, followed by colon cancer, lung cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, and melanoma.
Combined, these types of cancer make up more than half of all new diagnoses in the country.
Cervical Cancer at Record Lows
One of the most encouraging developments in this year鈥檚 report is the continued decline in cervical cancer. Since the previous five-year period, the incidence rate has dropped by more than 17%, reaching the lowest level ever recorded in Norway.
This progress is largely attributed to the national HPV vaccination programme and the phased introduction of HPV-based cervical screening. The steepest decline has been observed among younger women, particularly those under the age of 30.
These improvements highlight the impact of long-term public health strategies.
However, the report cautions that breakthrough cases are still possible, especially from strains of HPV not covered by the original vaccines, making continued participation in screening programmes essential.
Lung Cancer: A Generational Divide
The data on lung cancer presents a mixed picture. Rates continue to fall in men across all age groups, as well as in women under the age of 80. Among older women, however, lung cancer incidence remains high and has even increased.
This reflects smoking patterns that date back to the 1960s and 1970s, when smoking among women became more widespread.
Discussions are ongoing about whether to implement a national screening programme for lung cancer. If introduced, it will need to be carefully targeted to the age groups most at risk.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer on the Rise
Norway continues to see an increase in skin cancer cases, particularly non-melanoma types.
In men, non-melanoma skin cancer has now become the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, ahead of colon and lung cancer. Melanoma is also becoming more common in older adults, although incidence is declining in younger age groups, possibly reflecting improved awareness about sun protection.
The good news is that mortality from melanoma has decreased significantly, largely thanks to earlier diagnosis and the use of modern treatments such as immunotherapy.
Breast Cancer Increasing Across Age Groups
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Norway, with rising incidence across all age groups. The most pronounced increase is seen among women aged over 80, who are not currently included in the national screening programme.
The reasons behind this increase are not entirely clear. Some of the contributing factors may include a later average age of first childbirth, fewer births overall, and a modest rise in the use of combined menopausal hormone therapy.
There is also some suggestion that increased access to diagnostic imaging outside the organised screening programme could be contributing to the trend.
Health authorities are currently discussing whether to expand the screening programme to include women both younger and older than the current age group of 50 to 69.
Decline in Prostate and Testicular Cancer
The report also highlights a reduction in incidence for both prostate and testicular cancer among men. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men, but its incidence has dropped by nearly ten percent.
The widespread, informal use of PSA testing continues to spark debate, and there is growing interest in establishing a more structured national screening programme for prostate cancer.
Survival Rates Continue to Improve
Perhaps the most encouraging findings in the 2024 report are the improvements in survival. Five-year relative survival has increased for many of the most common cancers.
Lung cancer, in particular, has seen significant progress, with survival in men rising from 24 to 28 percent, and in women from 30 to 36 percent. Breast cancer survival has increased slightly, now reaching more than 92 percent.
Prostate cancer survival also continues to improve, with more than 95 percent of men surviving five years after diagnosis. Colon and rectal cancer have seen smaller but steady increases in survival for both men and women.
These gains reflect improvements in early detection, better treatment options, and more personalised cancer care.
Living with Cancer in Norway
At the end of 2024, nearly 348,000 people in Norway were living with or after a cancer diagnosis. This represents an increase of approximately 11,000 from the previous year.
As treatments continue to improve, more people are surviving cancer, which brings greater focus to life after diagnosis.
The Cancer Registry of Norway has started collecting detailed feedback through patient-reported outcome measures. These surveys provide insight into long-term quality of life, health complications, and overall wellbeing among cancer survivors.
The findings will be used to improve cancer care and tailor support to the needs of survivors.
A Personal and Public Challenge
The Cancer in Norway 2024 report presents a complex but largely positive picture. While overall incidence remains high, especially for skin and breast cancers, survival rates are steadily improving.
Long-term public health efforts, including vaccination, screening, early diagnosis, and advances in treatment, are making a real difference.
Yet the report also serves as a reminder that behind every statistic is a person whose life has been disrupted, and often changed forever, by cancer.
Continued investment in prevention, care, and research remains essential to address both current challenges and those yet to come.
The full Cancer in Norway 2024 report, published by the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, is for anyone wishing to explore the data in more detail.
