The main tasks of FICAN North are to coordinate and develop cancer diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and research as well as the training of professionals involved in cancer treatment and research, in the region of Northern Finland.

Cancer research

The Finnish Cancer Center aims to increase cancer research activity in Finland. Active cancer research can give patients opportunities for cancer prevention, diagnostics or new treatments before they have been approved as regular treatment practices. Research activities increase the quality of care provided by the unit responsible for treatment.

Research activities in the region of FICAN North are centered to units within The Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia (Pohde) and the University of Oulu. FICAN North also aims to lower the threshold for patients to take part in cancer research happening in units outside of their own region.

Training

FICAN North aims to promote training activities of cancer treatment professionals in the region of Northern Finland. Professionals of cancer treatment, diagnostics and research are trained in several units within the FICAN North region. Specialist and doctoral training as well as masters-level teaching of health sciences are coordinated by the University of Oulu and The Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia (Pohde). Parts of training may also take place in other units of specialized medical care. Nurses are trained in regional nursing schools.

Cancer treatment

FICAN North is tasked with the coordination of cancer treatment in Northern Finland. Cancer treatment in Northern Finland is centralized to specialized medical care units within wellbeing services counties:

• The Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia (Pohde)
• The Wellbeing Services County of Lapland
• The Wellbeing Services County of Central Ostrobothnia (Soite)
• The Wellbeing Services County of Kainuu

Cancer care and rehabilitation

A majority of cancer cases are preventable through a healthy lifestyle. The most significant lifestyle factors for cancer prevention are a lack of smoking, a healthy diet, minimal alcohol consumption, sufficient physical activity and avoidance of obesity. In some cancer types, mortality can be reduced through cancer screenings, which allow the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic cancers. In Finland, population-based screening programs are in place for breast cancer (mammography) and cervical cancer (Pap smear).

The rehabilitation of cancer patients aims to allow patients to return to a balanced and independent life, as well as help establish healthy lifestyle habits. Rehabilitation is aimed to include multidisciplinary and multi-professional activities, where the patient is in a central role. Rehabilitation activities of cancer patients are mainly organized by Kela, cancer societies and hospitals.