Steering group

The steering group consists of representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the Cancer Society of Finland and the National Cancer Center (FICAN). Its role is to monitor and guide the progress of the cancer strategy preparation, as well as to provide opinions and recommendations on key issues related to the preparation of the strategy.

Steering Group Members (Full Member/Alternate Member):

• Markku Mäkijärvi / Maarit Bärlund (FICAN)
• Tuula Helander / Hanna Tuomi (STM)
• Juha Pekka Turunen / Janne Pitkäniemi (Cancer Society of Finland)
• Markku Peltonen / Satu Männistö (THL)

Main goals and working groups

The development of the National Cancer Strategy is guided by five main goals, which provide the framework for nine different working groups. Each working group has its own focus area based on these main goals.

1. Strengthening participation and developing human-centered services
   WG: Patient participation and human-centered services – Chair: Jenni Tamminen-Sirkiä, Executive Director, Association of Cancer Patients in Finland
2. Reducing cancer burden through prevention and early detection
   WG: Prevention – Chair: Eeva Ollila, Chief Medical Officer, Cancer Society of Finland
   WG: Early detection and screening – Chairs: Annika Auranen, Director, FICAN Mid & Tytti Sarkeala, Screening Director, Cancer Registry
3. Ensuring equal and effective cancer care
   WG: Diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up – Chair: Mika Matikainen, Area Director, HUS
   WG: Rehabilitation and psychosocial support – Chair: Marika Skyttä, Director of Health Department, Cancer Society of Finland
   WG: Palliative care – Chair: Tiina Saarto, Chief Physician, Professor, HUS & University of Helsinki
4. Staying at the forefront in a changing environment
   WG: Research and data – Chair: Kimmo Porkka, Professor, University of Helsinki & HUS
   WG: New methods – Chair: Olli Tenhunen, Chief Physician, Oulu University Hospital

In addition, a separate working group focuses on creating national models for the implementation of the Cancer Strategy.

• WG: Effectiveness and operational models for the implementation of the Cancer Strategy – Chairs: Sirkku Jyrkkiö, Head of operational division, Turku University Hospital & Paulus Torkki, Assistant Professor, University of Helsinki

Secretariat

The secretariat is responsible for the daily coordination of the cancer strategy work and for aligning materials in collaboration with the WG chairs. It supports the working groups and the steering group in managing the overall strategy.

Members:

• Tomi Mäkelä (secretary general), FICAN
• Mirjami Tran Minh, FICAN
• Outi Nikunen, FICAN
• Timo Nykopp, FICAN
• Sarianne Hartonen, Cancer Society of Finland
• Veli-Matti Partanen, Cancer Society of Finland
• Sanna Heikkinen, Cancer Society of Finland
• Tiina Vesterinen, Finnish Cancer Institute
• Riikka-Leena Leskelä, NHG Oy
• Paula Pennanen, NHG Oy