Supportive care for breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment is not just a matter of treating the cancer. Supportive therapies focus on healing the whole person. They offer physical, emotional and social support during and after cancer.

There are many different therapies tailored to individual needs and preferences – including exercise medicine, physiotherapy, exercise programmes and psycho-oncology. These are delivered by experienced and qualified professionals who specialise in supporting people affected by cancer.

Supportive care services cannot replace conventional cancer treatment. Instead, they aim to improve quality of life beyond treatment.

From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, we provide you with supportive care at every stage of your cancer journey. If you speak with your doctor about any concerns, they may be able to offer you further support that could be beneficial to you.  

Even if you do not initially report any symptoms, your doctor can tell you what options are available. This gives you all the information you need to explore different options if necessary.  

Oncological rehabilitation is one type of supportive care. It is designed for people experiencing symptoms of cancer or cancer treatment, or those who want to become more active again and regain their strength. The main goal of rehabilitation is to help you return to everyday life as smoothly and confidently as possible.

The cost of supportive care services depends on what you choose to do. For example, peer support groups are free of charge, while others, such as oncological rehabilitation, are subject to a fee.  

Different guidelines apply to psychological services such as counselling and therapy. The reimbursement policy depends on your insurance provider.  

Talk to your provider in advance so that you know what your insurance covers and what costs you will have to pay yourself.

Emotional support  

Psycho-oncological counselling and therapy

The aim of psycho-oncology is to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options, develop effective coping strategies and habits, and, above all, regain your emotional strength.  

Your psycho-oncological care will be managed by a team of specialists from the Zurich Cancer League who have experience with cancer. These may include psycho-oncologists, social workers, nursing staff, pastoral carers and others.

The Zurich Cancer League has centres in Zurich and Winterthur where you can obtain information in person.

Oncological rehabilitation

These programmes are designed to make your return to everyday life as smooth as possible. The aim is to regain your physical fitness and self-confidence, resume your everyday activities and hobbies, cope with the consequences of cancer and its treatment, and much more.    

Oncological rehabilitation programmes can be carried out on an outpatient basis, i.e. you go home after the sessions. You will be cared for by a team of experts from the Zurich Cancer League, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and nutritionists.

The Zurich Cancer League has centres in Zurich and Winterthur where you can obtain more information.

If you have been severely weakened by cancer treatment, there is also the possibility of oncological rehabilitation lasting several weeks on an inpatient basis.

Self-help groups

Some people find it helpful to talk to others who have had cancer themselves or are living with it. Because they know what it is like to have cancer, to live with uncertainty, questions and worries, but also how to regain control of life.

Pascale Star gives people affected by cancer and their families a peaceful space where they can share their stories and find support. The group is led by Andrea, who offers guidance, understanding and hope to those affected, drawing on her own experience as a breast cancer survivor.

Find peer support groups in your area via the Swiss Cancer League network.

Exercise medicine

Exercise can be beneficial, especially during breast cancer treatment and recovery. Benefits include rebuilding strength, improving bone health and regaining mobility, all of which can help to make the side effects of treatment more manageable. It has been proven that supervised and structured exercise programmes help cancer patients in particular to feel better in their everyday lives.

Post-treatment care/aftercare

It may take some time to recover after cancer treatment. We are still here for you, providing support not only for your physical health, but also emotionally, socially and in practical matters.  

After completing treatment, you will be invited to attend regular follow-up checks. These help us to monitor your recovery and detect any new or ongoing symptoms early on. It is also an opportunity to discuss any other concerns.

Implant health checks

If you choose breast reconstruction with an implant or your own tissue, we offer regular check-ups through our partnership with the Affidea Plastic Surgery Group. These checks ensure you feel comfortable with your reconstructed breast and allow for any complications to be detected and treated at an early stage.  

Regular examinations can reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Learn more about implant health at Affidea Plastic Surgery Group.

Cosmetic procedures

Cosmetic pigmentation

Many people have to undergo surgery as part of their treatment plan, which can leave scars. Serum treatments can improve scar healing. You may also choose to retouch the scar using cosmetic pigmentation to better match your skin tone.  

If your nipple was removed during treatment, you can have a nipple tattooed onto the treated breast. Learn more about medical skin pigmentation at Sphère Medical Spa.

Look good, feel better

When living with breast cancer, it is important to take time for yourself. We are committed to boosting your self-confidence and your joy in life, which is why we offer professional skincare and make-up sessions.

These consist of a two-hour workshop with experts who provide application tips and product recommendations for people affected by breast cancer. The aim is to learn how to embrace the physical changes caused by cancer in a relaxed and positive atmosphere.

Thanks to the support of leading Swiss cosmetics companies, this workshop from the Look Good Feel Better Foundation is available to you free of charge.