October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide - an occasion to raise awareness of prevention, early detection and treatment of this most common cancer in women.
Around one in eight women in Switzerland is diagnosed with breast cancer in the course of her life, with around 6,000 new cases every year. Despite major advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. This makes early detection all the more important: the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery and the gentler the treatment can be.
While many cantons have statutory screening programs, the canton of Zurich does not yet have such a program. We spoke with Christina Christen-Gremlich, president of Europa Donna Switzerland and member of the CCCZ patient advisory board, and with Prof. Dr. med. Isabell Witzel, director of the Department of Gynecology at the USZ. They describe the current situation, explain the importance of screening programs and provide insights into the work at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ).
Prof. Dr. med. Isabell Witzel, Director of Department, Department for Gynecology
What are the most important screening tests for breast cancer?
Isabell Witzel: Regular breast self-examination is an important first step. This allows lumps or changes to be detected at an early stage. In addition, gynecologists can recommend further examinations depending on the individual risk situation. Imaging procedures such as mammography and ultrasound are particularly important as they make changes visible before they can be felt. In addition, a healthy lifestyle and the reduction of known risk factors play a key role in prevention.
Why are early detection and prevention important?
Isabell Witzel: The earlier a tumor is discovered, the better the chances of recovery. It is therefore crucial to diagnose breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.
Christina Christen-Gremlich on the right with Danijela Simonovic-Juric
How do you assess the current situation of breast cancer screening in the canton of Zurich?
Christina Christen: “In many cantons in Switzerland, there are legally regulated mammography screening programs for women between the ages of 50 and 69, and in some cases up to 74, which are covered by health insurance. The canton of Zurich does not yet have such a program. This means that women here have to take action themselves, which not all of them do, partly due to the cost – and this can lead to breast cancer being detected later. We know that early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of recovery, as the latest studies clearly confirm.”
What could a cantonal screening program achieve?
Christina Christen: “A comprehensive program would enable women between the ages of 50 and 69 to have regular, quality-assured mammograms without having to pay for them out of their own pockets. This increases equal opportunities, facilitates access, and has been proven to lead to earlier detection of breast cancer. The majority of cantons are already showing us that this works, some of them for a very long time. For Zurich, a screening program would finally be a major step forward in women’s health. Nevertheless, women can still decide for themselves whether they want to take advantage of this opportunity. Breast cancer that is detected early requires less aggressive therapies and less psychotherapy, and women can return to work sooner. This reduces costs.”
Where do you see the next political or social steps?
Christina Christen: “In September 2025, representatives from several parliamentary groups in the Zurich Cantonal Council submitted a motion to create the legal basis for cantonal breast cancer screening and to introduce it quickly. The aim is to give women in Zurich the same access to structured, free early detection as in other cantons. It is now crucial that politicians, specialists and society work together on implementation and that the population continues to be sensitized at the same time. The same right for everyone to access quality-assured mammography screening programs must apply to the whole of Switzerland! I also demand this right from the federal government.”
How does the CCCZ/USZ support breast cancer patients?
Isabell Witzel: At the CCCZ Breast Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of services – from risk advice for healthy women to early detection examinations and highly specialized treatment in the event of a disease. All clarifications are carried out quickly, reliably and gently. Care is organized on an interdisciplinary basis and is based on the latest scientific findings. Our aim is to provide patients with the best possible support at every stage – from prevention to treatment and aftercare.
To the consultation
