Swedish Health Minister Elisabet Lann (Christian Democrats) announced on March 5, 2026, that the government has assigned the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) to review age limits for cancer screening programs. The review will focus particularly on the upper age limit for breast cancer screening and the lower age limit for colon cancer screening.
According to reports, breast cancer screening in Sweden currently stops at age 74, while colon cancer screening is offered from age 60. The European Union recommends colon cancer screening should begin at age 50. Minister Lann stated at a press conference that there are reasons to examine more data and make a new assessment.
There are reasons to look at more data and make a new assessment
"It is not politicians who should set age limits, but the assignment to Socialstyrelsen is to look at this," Lann said. The minister highlighted that one in four women who develop breast cancer are over 74 years old, and among older women, breast cancer is often found at a later stage.
The government's assignment to Socialstyrelsen also includes reviewing the models for how screening recommendations are developed. The review will analyze and propose new screening intervals for existing screening programs.
while politicians should not set age limits themselves, the assignment to Socialstyrelsen is to examine these issues