Our Work & Programs
72%
5-year cancer survival rate
Sweden
24%
5-year cancer survival rate
Parts of Africa
Closing the cancer gap
Cancer survival rates vary dramatically around the world. The Elekta Foundation works to expand access to prevention, early detection, training and treatment in underserved regions. Through local partnerships and capacity building, we help countries strengthen their cancer care systems for long-term impact.
Our Approach
We work with governments, healthcare providers, academic institutions, NGOs and local communities to build stronger, more resilient cancer care systems.
- Pilot programs tailored to personal needs
- Strong partnerships and collaboration
- Training & prevention initiatives
- Stronger cancer care systems and better outcomes
Our Focus Areas
Awareness & Prevention
Promote cancer prevention and early detection through community education, screening initiatives and integrated women's cancer care programs. Our work focuses particularly on breast and cervical cancer, helping more people access timely diagnosis and treatment.
Training & Skill Development
Build local expertise by providing healthcare professionals with access to high-quality oncology and radiotherapy training. By strengthening clinical skills and knowledge, we help improve cancer care outcomes and expand access to treatment.
Our Key Programs
Women's Integrated Cancer Care
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer needs to be detected early and regular check-ups are a must. The Elekta Foundation uses dual screening: when a woman is screened for cervical cancer, a screening for breast cancer is also done. Nurses and midwives are trained in clinical breast examinations (CBE). If something abnormal is discovered, women are referred for ultrasound and biopsy. This allows breast cancer to be detected earlier and treated on time – saving lives. Screening and early detection are key.
Learn more about breast cancer here.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer affects women worldwide, with significantly higher incidence in certain regions. For example, sub-Saharan Africa is one of the areas where women are most at risk
Read more about how the Elekta Foundation is working with the Rwandan Ministry of Health to eliminate cancer by 2027 here.
Radiotherapy Training
The Elekta Foundation builds capacity where it’s needed most. In many low-resource settings, access to radiotherapy is severely limited, not only due to lack of equipment, but also because of a critical shortage of trained professionals. Without skilled radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists, even the most advanced technology cannot be fully utilised.
At the Elekta Foundation, education is the key to unlocking access. That’s why we prioritise comprehensive, vendor-neutral training programme that empower local clinicians to deliver safe, timely and effective care.
Courses are offered in English, French, Arabic and Spanish, reaching professionals across Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa.
We believe everyone should have access to the best cancer care, no matter who you are and where you live.
Watch our short video to see how the Elekta Foundation is working to bring high-quality, equitable cancer care. From local partnerships to global training programs, this is how impact happens, on the ground, and around the globe.
Main partners
The Foundation collaborates with key partners that acknowledge the importance of joining forces to tackle cervical cancer:
Rwandan Ministry of Health
Rwanda Biomedical Center
Rwanda Society for Family Health
Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Partners In Health
Heza Initiative
African Center for Research on End of Life Care
Grameen Kalyan, Bangladesh
Rayos Contra Cancer
United Nations Population Fund