Early detection
Early detection of breast cancer
Early detection of breast cancer means discovering it as early as possible to detect – ideally before symptoms appear.
Early detection does not prevent breast cancer. However, it can detect it at an early stage.
The Mammography is the the most important screening test for early detection. It can make changes in breast tissue visible before a tumour becomes palpable.
Studies show that regular participation in organised mammography screening programmes reduces breast cancer mortality.
Why early detection is important
- Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. In Switzerland, around 6,800 women and 60 men are diagnosed with it every year. One in five women is under 50 at the time of diagnosis.
Recommendation
Women aged 50 and over are advised to have a mammogram every two years – if possible, as part of a quality-assured screening programme.
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.
Better chances of recovery
If breast cancer is detected at an early stage, this significantly improves the chances of recovery.
A gentler approach
In many cases, treatment can be carried out in a gentler manner.
Fewer women are dying
Participation in the mammography screening programme reduces the risk of mortality by 20 - 30 percent.
SCREENING PROGRAMME
In many cantons, women aged 50 and over are invited to take part in quality-assured mammography screening programmes.
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 Eight cantons have no mammography screening programme.
More on this at
Swiss cancer screening
BREAST TEST APP
With the BREAST TEST app, you integrate breast examination effortlessly into your monthly routine and you have the chance to recognise changes and have them quickly checked by a doctor.
Simple and uncomplicated
- With step-by-step instructions
- Reminder function
- Ability to save notes and photos
Breast self-examination does not replace regular gynaecological check-ups!
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