Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a complex disease shaped by a combination of genetic predispositions, hormonal influences, environmental and lifestyle factors. With age and family history playing significant roles in determining individual patient risk, the disease remains a major healthcare challenge, affecting thousands of women across Switzerland each year.^1,2

Breast Cancer in Switzerland in Numbers

~6800

women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Switzerland. It is the most common cancer diagnosis among women.²

80%

of affected women are over 50 years old at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis.^3,4

86%

of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the prognosis.⁴

6%

of people affected by breast cancer already have metastases at the time of diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer is 27%.⁴

18/ 26

cantons have programmes in which women aged 50 and over are invited to a mammogram every two years^5,6

Early Detection & Screening

Finding breast cancer early can improve outcomes. Organised screening programmes in Switzerland help women access regular mammograms:^4,7

Regular invitations – Eligible women are invited for screening, rather than having to arrange it themselves.
Independent review – Two radiologists read each mammogram to support consistent quality.
Lower out-of-pocket cost – The health insurance deductible does not apply. Women pay only the 10% co-payment, usually around CHF 20.

Switzerland is lagging behind on access

Unlike many European countries with nationwide organised screening, Switzerland has no nationwide programme. Availability depends on the canton: 18 of 26 currently offer a programme for women aged 50 and over.^5,6,8

Find out what screening options are available where you live

Learn more about early detection at Pink Cube

Our stories of progress in cancer care

Cancer care of the future

Breast cancer screenings

Together against cancer

For more information on AstraZeneca’s therapeutic areas - including disease risks, symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment options - visit myastrazeneca.ch

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References

Pasi D, Aswathy B, Das M, Agrawal P. Front Oncol. 2026;16:1773232.
Diagnose und Therapie von Brustkrebs in der Schweiz; Erkenntnisse und Handlungsbedarf auf Basis von Daten aus der Krebsregistrierung 2020–2022. Nationale Krebsregistrierungsstelle (NKRS) Zürich, Oktober 2025. Available at: https://www.nkrs.ch/upload/downloads/Berichte%20und%20Statistiken/KennzahlenZuDiagnoseUndTherapie/Summary_BreastCancerIndicators_2020-2022_DE.pdf. Last accessed: September 2026.
Donna Programm. Brustkrebs-Früherkennung durch Mammographie. Available at: www.donna-programm.ch/fileadmin/data/downloads/de-downloads/donna-informationsbroschuere-de.pdf. Last accessed: September 2026.
Effects of age and stage on breast cancer survival in Switzerland. Schweizer Krebsbulletin. Available at: https://www.nicer.org/assets/files/publications/others/skb_2-2015_breastcancer_survival_ch.pdf. Last accessed: September 2026.
Pink Cube. Early Detection. Available at: https://pinkcube-testyourbreast.ch/en/early-detection/. Last accessed: September 2026.
Swiss Cancer Screening. Krebsfrüherkennungsprogramme in Ihrer Region. Available at: https://www.swisscancerscreening.ch/de/angebote-in-ihrem-kanton. Last accessed: September 2026.
Swiss Cancer Screening. Teilnahme an einem Programm zur Brustkrebsfrüherkennung. Available at: https://www.swisscancerscreening.ch/de/krebs-frueherkennung/brust/teilnahme. Last accessed: September 2026.
OECD Health Policy Studies. Beating Cancer Inequalities in the EU. Available at: https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2024-01/ncd_cancer-inequalities_report_en.pdf. Last accessed: September 2026.

Veeva ID: CH-13787
Date of preparation: October 2026