Finnish Cancer Center

Cancer registry

The Finnish Cancer Registry maintains a database of all cancer cases diagnosed in Finland since 1953. It is also a statistical and epidemiological research institute for cancer diseases, collaborating closely both nationally and internationally. The Cancer Registry maintains the national registry of cancer cases in Finland under the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). As part of the Cancer Registry, there is also a screening program registry that monitors screening programs. 

Cancer statistics 

The Finnish Cancer Registry publishes official cancer statistics and annual reports. Annual report describes the cancer burden of the reported year in numbers and provides comprehensive information on cancers in Finland. 

Submission of cancer data 

Cancer disease registration in Finland began nationwide in 1953. Since 1961, the submission of cancer reports has been legally required. 

A report must be submitted to the cancer registry for every diagnosed cancer case or strong cancer suspicion in Finland. Reports can be made from clinical data, pathological data, or treatment-related data. Information is submitted to the cancer registry either directly from healthcare information systems via secure SFTP data transfer or using an electronic form. 

For more information on cancer data submission, visit the Cancer Registry’s page: Cancer Data Submission – Cancer Registry (syoparekisteri.fi)