Early detection
Early detection of breast cancer
Early detection of breast cancer means discovering it as early as possible — ideally before the onset of symptoms.
Early detection does not prevent breast cancer, but rather discovers it earlier.
Mammography is the most important screening test: it can reveal changes in breast tissue before a tumour can be felt.
Studies show that participating in organised mammography screening programmes saves lives.
Why early detection is so important
- If breast cancer is detected at an early stage, this significantly improves the chances of recovery.
- In many cases, the treatment can be carried out more gently.
- The burden on those affected and their families/surroundings is reduced.
- Taking part in a mammography screening programme reduces the risk of mortality by 20 - 30 percent.
MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography is the most important examination for the early detection of breast cancer.
Mammography is a special X-ray examination of the breast that can make even the smallest changes visible – including those that are not yet palpable. The examination only takes a few minutes and is carried out in radiology clinics or hospitals.
Recommendation
Women aged 50 and over should have a mammogram every two years as part of a quality-assured mammography screening programme.
Gynaecological examination
All women should attend regular gynaecological check-ups.
Breast self-examination
Breast self-examination is not a recognised breast cancer screening method. However, it can help women become more familiar with their bodies, so that any changes that may indicate breast cancer can be identified and checked by a doctor. Every woman should incorporate breast self-examination into her monthly routine.
SCREENING PROGRAMME
Organised mammography screening programmes are not available in all cantons.
In Switzerland, cantons decide on the introduction of a mammography screening programme.
These programmes attract women from age 50 for a mammogram every two years. Franchise-exempt and voluntary.
Currently 10 cantons have no mammography screening programme.
More on this at
Swiss cancer screening
Evidence & Studies
Scientific Evidence & Studies
Studies show: systematic breast cancer screenings save lives.
NEW STUDY
Swiss study shows: Participation in the "Donna" mammography screening programme improves survival rates.
Kuklinski D et al. Breast cancer patients enrolled in the Swiss mammography screening programme “donna” demonstrate prolonged survival. Breast Cancer Research. 2024;26:84.
In cantons with a mammography screening programme, breast cancer is detected significantly more often in earlier stages – with smaller tumours and less frequent lymph node involvement.
Gutzeit A et al., Breast cancer in Switzerland: a comparison between organised-screening versus opportunistic-screening cantons. ESMO Open. 2024 Oct;9(10):103712.
Organised screening programmes save lives – but not everyone benefits from them.
Müller G, Leo C. Mammography screening in Switzerland – Where are we today? What does the future hold? Gynäkologie Schweiz. 2023;4:6–10.
Screening lowers mastectomy rates independent of tumour stage.
Herrmann et al. Screening is associated with lower mastectomy rates in eastern Switzerland beyond stage effects. BMC Cancer (2021) 21:229 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-07917-2
Without screening, breast cancer is more often diagnosed at later stages, with a poorer prognosis.
Socioeconomic and demographic disparities in breast cancer stage at presentation and survival. Int J Cancer. 2017 Oct 15;141(8):1529-1539. doi: 10.1002/ijc.30856. Epub 2017 Jul 7.
Recommendation for regular, organised screening for women aged 50–69.
The impact of mammography screening programmes on breast cancer mortality in Switzerland