Campaign launched to eliminate cervical cancer in Iceland
Sirrý Ágústsdóttir is the founder of Lífskraftur. Here she is pictured with Elín Tinna Logadóttir at the campaign launch on Friday. Photo/Bent Marinósson
The charitable organization Lífskraftur, founded by the outdoor group Snjódrífurnar, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Iceland.
According to a statement from Lífskraftur, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Icelandic Cancer Society and outdoor clothing brand 66°North.
Each year, around 20 women in Iceland are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 3–5 women die from the disease. However, with widespread screening and vaccination, it is considered realistic to prevent nearly all cases.
The campaign has three main goals: to raise funds for vaccines, increase public awareness, and encourage women to attend regular screenings, while also uniting health authorities, NGOs, and the general public in the fight against cervical cancer.
Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, a member of parliament for the Independence Party, was among the guests Friday night. Photo/Bent Marinósson
A personal battle
The campaign was officially launched last night at the 66°North store in Hafnartorg, Reykjavík.
Lífskraftur was founded in 2020 and has since been active in raising awareness and funds for cancer-related projects. Since its establishment, the organization has raised over 35 million ISK to support individuals and families affected by cancer.
The driving force behind Lífskraftur is Sirrý Ágústsdóttir, who herself has faced cervical cancer.
“When I was diagnosed, I realized how vital it is to have prevention, support, and solidarity,” Ágústsdóttir said in the statement.
“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.”
The “Leggangan” solidarity walk
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 pass”).
On that day, the Snjódrífurnar will lead over 100 women on a hike to Mount Kerling in the Kerlingafjöll mountain range. They are encouraging women — and men — across the country to take their own symbolic walks on the same day to show solidarity in the fight against cervical cancer.
The Leggangan solidarity walk will take place on October 4. Photo/Bent Marinósson
