The Finnish Cancer Registry says that 12,600 men and 12,200 women suffered from some form of cancer in 2003.
The most common type of cancer among men is prostrate cancer, and among women breast cancer.
The second-most common cancer is lung cancer.
Over the past decade, the number of cancer cases has increased by about 5,000. This is mainly attributed to an aging population.
Another factor that has contributed to the rise in registered cancer cases is more effective and extensive screening programmes.
Although more cases of cancer are being diagnosed, the mortality rate from the disease is steadily falling. This is partly thanks to fewer people smoking, especially men have quit in recent years.