Mammography screening already starting at 45 years

Rising breast cancer incidence in younger women and new data lead to a clear conclusion: lowering the entry age for cantonal mammography screening programmes from 50 to 45 years can save lives. Treatment costs would also decrease. Other countries have already lowered this threshold. Switzerland should follow this international trend.

Given the global and national increase in breast cancer cases among younger women, the Swiss Society of Radiology, the Swiss Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and the Swiss Society of Senology recommend lowering the age for cantonal mammography screening in Switzerland to 45 years. The current threshold is 50 years.

Early detection saves lives, especially in younger women

Medical evidence is clear: worldwide and in Switzerland, breast cancer cases in women under 50 are increasing. In the age group between 40 and 49 years, breast cancer is already the second leading cause of death. A recent study shows that regular mammography from age 40 can reduce mortality by around 25 percent. Countries that screen women from age 40 show significantly higher 10 year survival rates than those starting at 50.

Benefits outweigh concerns

Experts from the three medical societies emphasize that the benefits of mammography clearly outweigh the risks. In the 40 to 49 age group, the benefit risk ratio is 259 to 1. Radiation exposure from mammography is considered safe.

Earlier screening reduces healthcare costs and improves quality of life

Contrary to the assumption that more screening burdens the healthcare system, modern analyses show the opposite. Rising costs of advanced cancer treatments make early diagnosis economically beneficial. Earlier screening reduces expensive late stage treatments and improves survival outcomes and quality of life.

Switzerland should follow international trends

With this recommendation, Switzerland would align with other countries. Germany and Austria already recommend starting screening at 45. In countries such as Sweden, screening under 50 has been established for over two decades with strong success.

Official press release