Cancer care in Iceland

Abstract

The history of Iceland, an island of 103 000km2 in the North Atlantic Ocean, began with the arrival of Vikings from Norway in 874 (Cornwallis 1999). From 1397 to 1944 Iceland was ruled by Denmark, then gained its independence and became a democratic republic with a written constitution and a parliament. The population of Iceland in 2002 was 288, 201 with about 9000 people of other nationalities. More than half of the inhabitants, or 190 thousand, live in the capital region of Reykjavı´k and the remaining live along the coastline in small towns, villages, or farms (Iceland in Figures 2001--2002). In 2040 the population is projected to be 364 000. Icelandic is the national language, protestant lutherian the state church, and fishing is the main industry. Life expectancy in Iceland (2000--2001) is among the highest in the world. The average for females is 82.2 years and for males 78.1 years. Infant mortality is among the lowest in the world (2.7 per 1000 live births) (Ministry of Health and Social Security 2003). The total number of annual deaths is around 2000 and neoplasms are the second leading cause of death (25%). The main purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the Icelandic health care system, nursing and education of nurses in Iceland especially in relation to cancer care and oncology nursing.