Nicole Beeler
Therapeutic Area Lead Oncology
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Switzerland: every year, around 6'600 women and around 50 men are diagnosed with the disease, and over 1'400 die from it.1,2,3 A combination of high-quality early detection and effective therapies is therefore crucial. However, organised screening programmes are not yet available in all cantons, meaning that those affected receive unequal treatment depending on where they live. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we want to raise awareness and share knowledge in order to improve the quality of life of patients.
The «Living with Metastases» awareness campaign deals with two sides of the same coin: the medical diagnosis and the personalities of the people behind it.
Giving patients a voice – improving quality of life together
«I am the one who courageously trusts her heart», says Anna F., who shares her story in the «Living with Metastases» campaign. She represents many women who, despite a serious diagnosis, are moving forward with strength and confidence.
At AstraZeneca, we work with patient organisations such as the Swiss Metastatic Breast Cancer Association to incorporate their perspectives into our daily work. Only by understanding their needs can we achieve optimal care.
The campaign «I am the one who lives» highlights how important it is to listen to the voices of those affected. Metastatic breast cancer continues to be stigmatised because it is considered incurable, has a poor prognosis and means a limited life expectancy. In addition, it is also associated with enormous psychological, financial and physical stress. Those affected withdraw socially, which can lead to isolation and misunderstandings.
A look behind the scenes of the production of the «Living with Metastases» campaign.
Early detection and education can save lives
The earlier a tumour is detected, the greater the chances of recovery and the lower the burden of treatment.
There is currently no national, comprehensive screening programme in Switzerland. Fifteen cantons currently offer organised mammography screening for women, with others planning to do so. In large regions – including Zurich and parts of central Switzerland – there is no such provision. However, political initiatives calling for screening have recently been submitted in the cantons of Zurich and Uri.
This cantonal diversity is accompanied by differences in care. A Swiss study from 2024 found that larger tumours and more metastases are diagnosed in regions without structured screening programmes.4 Regardless of existing programmes, however, only about half of women between the ages of 50 and 74 take advantage of breast cancer screening.5
The PINK CUBE, an initiative of the Cancer League, Europa Donna and various stakeholders, pursues the common goal of fighting breast cancer. Photographer: Sina Minor
Well-founded information and clarification to eliminate misunderstandings
In order to reach as large a section of the population as possible, information, visibility and the courage to talk about breast cancer are needed. This is precisely what the «Pink Cube – Test your Breast» initiative stands for, bringing together the Cancer League, Europa Donna Switzerland, AstraZeneca and other partners with the common goal of fighting breast cancer.
Improved knowledge transfer can empower women – and men – to understand the benefits of early detection and make informed decisions. This is because myths and misconceptions about breast cancer still circulate – for example, that there is no risk without a family history, or that mammograms are dangerous, which has been proven to be untrue.
That is why AstraZeneca relies on scientifically sound information and dialogue to dispel misconceptions and strengthen confidence in prevention.
We are committed to a holistic approach – from innovative therapies to prevention and early detection to timely treatment. With this approach, AstraZeneca is pursuing a clear ambition: to eliminate cancer as a cause of death – and to improve the quality of life of patients in the long term.
Mammography Programs
In cantons with screening programmes, mammograms are covered by basic health insurance. More information: Swiss Cancer Screening.
Breast cancer in figures
- Around 6'650 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Switzerland every year.3
- Around 1'400 people die of breast cancer in Switzerland every year.3
- Around 25% of all women are younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis.
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.6
- Eight out of ten women are over 50 years old when they are diagnosed.6
- Only 5-10% of all breast cancer cases in women are due to genetic predisposition.3
- Breast cancer screening is recommended every two years from the age of 50.3
Interview with Christina Christen, President of Europa Donna Switzerland
Since May 2023, Christina Christen has been the honorary president of Europa Donna Switzerland and founder of Tavola Rosa – a meeting place where breast cancer patients can get together once a month in a relaxed atmosphere.
«Early detection should not be a privilege.»
In this interview, Christina Christen discusses education, opportunities, and the courage to talk about breast cancer.
How does Europa Donna Switzerland help those affected to make informed decisions, and who can those affected and their relatives turn to?
Europa Donna Switzerland connects those affected and offers them the opportunity to exchange information on a regular basis. We are also committed to ensuring that all those affected in Switzerland have access to optimal early detection, treatment and aftercare for breast cancer. This includes initiatives such as the Pink Cube, which brings information and breast examinations directly to people. The The «Tavola Rosa» – «Supporting those affected» – is also important to us. Here, the focus is on support, mediation and helping people to help themselves. Unfortunately, too few women in some cantons are taking advantage of this offer – which is why education and visibility are so crucial.
Why is it so important to go to people with the Pink Cube?
Only those who are well informed can make their own decisions. The Pink Cube raises awareness, sensitises people, makes the topic of breast cancer tangible and encourages open discussion. After all, education is a prerequisite for political and social engagement. It is particularly important to raise awareness of breast cancer among young women and men. One in five women are under 50 when diagnosed (I myself was 39). Through the Pink Cube initiative, we can show them how to get to know themselves better and raise awareness among their partners. If they notice changes in their partner's breasts or their own, they should see a doctor. Every year, 60 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer.
What would you like to convey to patients?
Above all: you are not alone – and a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Today, there are very effective, innovative treatment options. But it is crucial that the cancer is detected early – then the chances of recovery are many times higher.
What have you been able to achieve so far?
We have already set up six Tavola Rosa groups in different regions of Switzerland. Another important step is the motion in the canton of Zurich, which shows that the issue of breast cancer screening has also made it onto the political agenda in Switzerland's largest canton.
What would you like to change in the future?
Our main concern is a nationwide screening programme so that all women – regardless of where they live or their income – have the same rights and opportunities. It would be fantastic to be able to offer a Tavola Rosa in every canton. We are also committed to placing greater emphasis on supporting relatives in the future, as their commitment is often not sufficiently appreciated.
What is needed for screening programmes to be implemented nationwide in Switzerland?
Above all, education at the political level. The federal government must take responsibility and create equal rights for all. Early detection not only means better chances of recovery, but also less stressful and costly therapies – which ultimately relieves the burden on the entire healthcare system. (e.g. less expensive psychotherapy, those affected returning to work earlier, etc.).
There are a number of myths surrounding breast cancer. Which misconception would you like to dispel?
One persistent myth is that mammograms can ‘crush’ tumours and cause metastases – this is simply not true. Equally false is the assumption that a tumour can always be felt. If it is palpable, it is usually already too late. That is why prevention and regular early detection are so important. Mammograms expose me to very high levels of radiation. This myth is also false. Anyone who takes a long flight is exposed to higher levels of radiation.
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References
1. World Health Organisation. Global cancer burden growing, amidst mounting need for services. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services. Accessed May 2025.
2.Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al., Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians. 2024 May;74(3):229-63
3. Krebsliga (last accessed October 2025: https://www.krebsliga.ch/medien/medienmitteilungen/brustkrebsmonat-welche-methoden-zur-frueherkennung-wirken)
4. Gutzeit et al. Breast cancer in Switzerland: a comparison between organized-screening versus opportunistic-screening cantons. ESMO Open, Volume 9, Issue 10, 2024, 103712, ISSN 2059-7029, https://lnkd.in/dx4Mk9jK.
5. Rathgeb S., Goldinger R, Muri I., 25.04.2025, Früherkennung bei Krebs: wichtig aber wenig genutzt. Taggesschau von 25.04.2025 Hauptausgabe. Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen. https://lnkd.in/dBGz9kZj
6. Donna Europa (last accessed October 2025)