Our challenge 

Too many cancers are still detected at a late stage, when survival chances are limited and treatments are more invasive. At the same time, we face challenges such as overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and barriers in awareness and access. To change this, we must accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of effective early detection strategies.  

Our dream 

We make it possible to detect cancer at a stage where the chances of survival are as high as possible.  

Our activities

• We join forces to improve the national screening programmes
  In the Dutch Cancer Agenda, we aim to improve the current national screening programs in close collaboration with the government (VWS, RIVM), researchers and patient organizations (NFK).
   
• We provide public information and support initiatives that help reduce health differences 
  Through public campaigns, we raise awareness for the possibilities of early detection. For example information on signals and symptoms. But also campaigns aimed to raise awareness for the national screening programs. Not just to promote them, but to give everyone tailored information to make an informed decision on participation.  
   
• We stimulate research & implementation of individualized risk-based screening 
  Early cancer detection saves lives, but more is not always better. Uncritical, population-wide screening can lead to overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and unnecessary psychological burden. At the same time, high-risk individuals may still be missed or underserved. We offer targeted funding possibilities for research and implementation aimed to improve and tailor early detection strategies to individual risk profiles. 
   

Our targeted funding possibilities 

For the most up-to-date overview, see www.kwf.nl/calls

Risk-based screening 

The Risk-Based Screening Track focuses on tailoring early detection strategies to individual risk profiles. We support the development of smarter, data-driven screening approaches that strike a better balance: where screening is meaningful and needed, and where it is not. To achieve this, KWF will develop programs in close dialogue with the field, shaped through ongoing collaboration with clinicians, GPs, researchers and patient representatives to identify both key opportunities and practical barriers.  

2025-2026

• In 2025 the focus was on breast cancer screening in high risk populations. We funded improvement of the existing HEBON-cohort.
   
• In 2026 we will focus on early detection of esophagus and pancreatic cancers. We will establish a project in co-creation with a wide range of disciplines and stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patient representatives, data experts, and implementation partners. In joint workshops and consultations, the group defines the shared vision, identifies needs and challenges, and prioritizes research questions that are both scientifically promising and societally relevant. By combining perspectives from science, practice, and lived experience, the project design becomes more robust, feasible, and impactful, ensuring that outcomes can be translated effectively into real-world screening and care.