Prevention and early detection
Our aim is to expertly analyse any changes in the breast as quickly as possible. Before the examination, we will conduct a personal consultation in which we will ask you about your symptoms, complaints, living circumstances, menopausal status, family history of cancer and other relevant aspects. This gives us a comprehensive picture before we proceed with further tests.
Prevention of breast cancer
A balanced diet, regular exercise and a normal body weight can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
If breast cancer does develop, it is important to detect it at an early stage, which requires the best possible diagnostics. This may involve a combination of medical examination (palpation), mammogram, breast ultrasound or other imaging techniques such as MRI, as well as tissue sampling.
Early detection
The Swiss Cancer League (Krebsliga der Schweiz) recommends early detection measures for women without a hereditary risk of cancer, such as monthly self-examination, an annual gynaecological check-up (including breast examination) from the age of 40, a baseline mammogram at the age of 50 and subsequent mammograms every two years. For women with a hereditary risk of the disease, screening intervals should be determined on an individual basis.
Recommendations from the Swiss Cancer League
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the treatment prospects. The Swiss Cancer League recommends the following measures for early detection among women without a family history of cancer:
- Monthly self-examination
- An annual gynaecological check-up (including breast examination) from the age of 40 onwards
- A baseline mammogram at the age of 50 and then mammograms every two years thereafter
More frequent examinations may be recommended for women with a family history of the disease. These are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on risk factors.
When does breast cancer screening begin?
Screening or early detection specifically means that you are checked for breast cancer without having any current symptoms. Screening is not the same as diagnostic testing after a lump has been discovered or breast cancer symptoms have been noticed, even though similar scanning techniques may be used.
Most Swiss cantons offer women aged 50 and over a routine screening mammogram every two years. The canton of Ticino offers such a programme. The canton of Zurich does not currently offer a breast cancer screening programme.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Around eight out of ten people with breast cancer are over 50 years old when they are first diagnosed.
The upper age limit varies from canton to canton and can range from 70 to 74 years.
Regional screening programmes are not the only ways to access a screening mammogram. You can ask your doctor for one if certain factors significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. These include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Certain genes associated with breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- If you have already had ovarian cancer
For more information on early detection in your canton, please contact Swiss Cancer Screening.
In cantons without an official screening programme (such as Zurich), you can register yourself or your doctor can register you for an early detection examination with us.
“Learning about my risk factors motivated me to change my lifestyle.”
Our doctors
We provide you with the finest specialists, who listen to you with understanding and take care of you. Among them are some of Europe’s most renowned medical experts – from gynaecologists, oncologists, radiologists, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons to breast and oncology nursing specialists, consultants in genetic counselling, and psycho‑oncologists. We are all here for you.
