Iceland Launches Nationwide Campaign to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Nationwide Effort to Combat Cervical Cancer Begins

On September 21, 2025, a significant nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Iceland was officially launched. This ambitious initiative is a collaborative effort between the charitable organization Lífskraftur, the Icelandic Cancer Society (Krabbameinsfélag Íslands), and the outdoor clothing brand 66°North. The campaign's launch event took place at the 66°North store in Hafnartorg, Reykjavík.

The drive is motivated by the fact that approximately 20 women in Iceland are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 3 to 5 women die from the disease annually. Organizers believe that widespread screening and vaccination can realistically prevent nearly all cases.

Key Objectives and Driving Force

The campaign has three primary goals: to raise funds for vaccines, to increase public awareness about cervical cancer, and to encourage women to attend regular screenings. Furthermore, it seeks to unite health authorities, non-governmental organizations, and the general public in the collective fight against the disease.

Lífskraftur, founded in 2020 by the outdoor group Snjódrífurnar, has been a proactive force in cancer-related projects, having already raised over 35 million ISK to support individuals and families affected by cancer. The driving force behind Lífskraftur is Sirrý Ágústsdóttir, a cervical cancer survivor herself. Ágústsdóttir stated, 'When I was diagnosed, I realized how vital it is to have prevention, support, and solidarity.' She added, 'Through Lífskraftur and this campaign, we want to show that it's possible to eliminate cervical cancer in Iceland. We can take these bold steps together — for ourselves, our daughters, and future generations.' Among the guests at the launch was Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, a member of parliament for the Independence Party.

Existing Prevention and Screening Efforts

Iceland has a robust history of combating cervical cancer. The country's organized screening program for cervical cancer began in 1964, and from 2020-2021, these services were transferred to healthcare centers nationwide, incorporating HPV testing. Regular screening is recommended for individuals with a cervix aged 23 to 65 years, with intervals of three to five years depending on age.

HPV vaccination, a crucial preventive measure, was introduced in Iceland in 2011 for girls. Since 2023, the HPV vaccination program has been expanded to include all 12-year-olds, regardless of gender, utilizing the Gardasil 9 vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set global targets for cervical cancer elimination by 2030, aiming for 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by 35 and again by 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.

Culminating Event: The 'Leggangan'

The campaign will culminate on October 4 with an event called 'Leggangan,' a play on words meaning both 'cervix walk' and 'walk to the mountain.' During this event, the Snjódrífur group will lead over a hundred women on a walk to Kerling mountain in Kerlingafjöll, symbolizing solidarity and commitment to the cause.