Folkhälsodalen (The Public Health Valley) is a meeting place for decision-makers, professionals, industry, and researchers in public health, medicine, and healthcare. An initiative of Reform Society. The seminars are in Swedish.

Lung cancer accounts for one in five deaths worldwide. The past few years have seen considerable advances in treatment for lung cancer, yet the prognosis remains low. Lung cancer causes symptoms that come up late in the course of the disease and assessments are complicated. This means that half of the patients have a spread disease at diagnosis.

Around 60 experts gathered during the virtual experience exchange between Sweden and Russia as part of a collaboration between the Association of Oncologists of Russia and Vision Zero cancer, aided by Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden to the Russian Federation.

Lung cancer is today the leading cause of death in Sweden. The earlier that lung cancer is detected, the greater are the chances of survival. A national screening programme has been brought to attention, but much needs to be resolved before we are there. Around 70 participants met digitally during a workshop on early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer hosted by Vision Zero cancer.

Fourteen. That's how many times, Mia Rajalin visited primary care before she received the chest X-ray that showed the tumor. And the X-ray referral was sent with hesitation – she was too young and had never smoked a cigarette.

The Lung Cancer Association wants to change lung cancer care. Especially in the case of early detection, where many other countries have already introduced tools and methods to support healthcare. But in Sweden it takes too long, says Karin Liljelund, the association's vice chairman. And lung cancer does not wait.

Lung cancer is one of the cancers where the fewest patients survive. In Sweden, every year, nearly 4,000 people are diagnosed. Almost as many die. Therefore, innovations in cancer control can make a big difference.