Breast cancer: early detection can save lives

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women. This is why early detection plays a crucial role. If breast cancer is identified in the early stages, the chance of recovery improves significantly. Learn important facts on prevention, how to properly check your breasts yourself, which preventive check-ups are appropriate at which age, and why regular gynaecological exams and mammograms are so important.

AuthorBernadett Patricia Körössy

5 minutes reading time13. May 2026

Breast cancer - facts & figures

Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer, as it is unfortunately one of the most common types of cancer. Taking a look at the figures helps us to understand the magnitude of the illness as well as the importance of early detection and education.

Regular self-exams can save lives

We recommend performing a monthly self-exam on your breasts. Self-examinations are a simple but effective method for detecting changes early. They aren't a substitute for an exam by a medical professional, but they do help give you a better feel for your own body. This means that abnormalities can be noticed and addressed more quickly.

As a long-standing partner of Pink Ribbon Schweiz, SWICA is actively committed to promoting awareness and early detection of breast cancer. The following instructions from Pink Ribbon for regularly checking your breasts are particularly close to our hearts – as early detection can save lives.

Early detection of breast cancer: recommendations by age and risk factors

The early detection of breast cancer should be approached in different ways based on your specific phase of life. The following overview explains the recommended measures based on age and risk factors. Further information on programmes for the early detection of cancer in your region is available here.

Women over 40 should continue to perform self-exams on their breasts and consult a doctor if they notice any abnormalities. An individual risk assessment by a doctor is recommended, particularly if there is a strong family history of breast cancer or known genetic risk factors. In some cases, taking part in an early detection programme sooner may be recommended, particularly if the individual is at a higher risk.

Age: As you get older, the risk of developing breast cancer increases.
Family history: If close relatives (e.g. mother, sister, daughter) have had breast cancer, you have an increased risk.
Genetic predisposition: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can significantly increase your risk.
Hormonal factors: If you started menstruating early (before the age of 12) or went into menopause later (after the age of 52), the risk increases.
Dense breast tissue: Higher density in your breast tissue can increase your risk.

Being overweight and sedentary: Particularly during the menopause, being overweight can increase your risk of cancer.
Drinking alcohol: Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can raise your risk.
Smoking: Consuming tobacco is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
Hormone therapies: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Nutrition: A high-fat diet can have an impact on your risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening: mammograms and ultrasound

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in Switzerland. Detecting changes in breast tissue early can save lives. Regular preventive check-ups in the form of mammograms combined with a breast ultrasound provides women with knowledge and security.

A mammogram is the most important imaging method for the early detection of breast cancer. It can help detect even the smallest changes in breast tissue, often before you would notice any symptoms. We recommend that women from the ages of 50 to 74 undergo mammograms every two years. In addition to mammograms, patients have the option of getting a breast ultrasound (sonography). A breast ultrasound is painless and does not use x-rays.

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«The feeling of anxiety before examinations is usually a bigger deal than the examination itself. Knowing afterwards that you're healthy gives you peace of mind.»

Dr. med. Carola Lambelet

Gynäkologin bei santé24

Preventing breast cancer with a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. That means that a good diet, enough exercise and a healthy approach to handling stress play a key role in breast cancer prevention.

A balanced, plant-based diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products, healthy fats and few animal products can lower your risk of developing cancer.

Recommended foods (this list is not exhaustive): vegetables, pulses, berries, nuts, flaxseed, fish

To be avoided (this list is not exhaustive): heavily processed products such as ready meals, fried snacks, red and processed meat, sugary drinks, alcohol

Important to know: The latest studies show that alcohol consumption greatly increases the risk of breast cancer. Even small amounts can impact your risk of developing breast cancer.

Sport and physical activities promote a healthy body weight, and strengthen your mental wellbeing and immune system. There's no need to do intensive workouts, though. Regular, moderate exercise is fine. Take the stairs rather than the lift, for example, or get up and walk around during long phone calls. Avoid sitting still at your desk, and opt to walk or cycle when travelling short distances.

Recommendation: At least 150 minutes of exercise per week at moderate intensity Other exercise activities such as strength, endurance and mobility training are also recommended.

Integrating exercise in your daily life: Climbing stairs, going on walks, working in the garden and active leisure activities are also very positive additions.

Chronic stress, lack of sleep and emotional burdens can have a negative impact on your immune system, and as a result, increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Equally, positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude and serenity as well as a general feeling of wellbeing can strengthen the immune system. People who are happy and content tend to have a better immune function – and that can also have a positive impact on breast cancer prevention

What's good: getting enough sleep, a good social network, mindfulness including in everyday life, yoga or meditation, etc.

The risk factors: persistent stress at work or in your personal life, not enough recovery time, loneliness

Conclusion
A healthy lifestyle isn't a substitute for preventive medical check-ups such as mammograms or a breast ultrasound. But it can have an impact on your risk of cancer. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and good mental wellbeing are three of the central building blocks for a strong immune system and a lower risk of developing cancer.

Because your health is our priority

Early detection can save lives! That's why SWICA actively supports women with breast cancer prevention – with benefits under basic and supplementary insurance.

Basic insurance

For women between the ages of 50 and 74, SWICA will cover the costs of a mammogram every two years. If this is done as part of an early breast cancer detection scheme, the costs will be paid without being counted towards the annual excess.

Supplementary insurance

Women with a risk of hereditary breast cancer receive early access to care:

From age 30 if there is a direct family history of breast cancer
From age 40 if there is a general hereditary risk

SWICA Talks: Podcast on Breast Cancer Prevention

In Switzerland, around 6600 women and 60 men develop breast cancer every year. If the cancer is detected early, treatment is easier and the chances of recovery are higher. In this episode, Birgit Schmid, Head of Psychology at SWICA, and Dr med. Eliane Sarasin Ricklin, specialist in gynaecology and sexual medicine at Swiss Breast Care, Privatklinik Bethanien, discuss this complex topic.

Stronger together: our partnerships

SWICA has been actively involved for many years in breast cancer prevention, and supports initiatives such as Pink Ribbon Schweiz and the Pink Cube breast cancer awareness campaign.

Pink Ribbon Switzerland raises awareness of the important of breast cancer prevention and supports those affected by providing information and guidance. On 31 August, Pink Ribbon Schweiz is extending an invitation to its Charity Walk in Zurich, during which participants will gather together to take a visible stand against breast cancer. The four-kilometre course will include the Letzigrund Stadium and the surrounding quarters, and donations will be collected to support awareness and those affected. SWICA will also be there as a partner of the event.

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Order a free pink ribbon now and participate in the giveaway

Early detection is key, which is why we're helping to promote it. Join us in showing support for the importance of detecting breast cancer early by ordering a free ribbon from our partner Pink Ribbon. We will donate 5 francs to Pink Ribbon Schweiz for every ribbon ordered.

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Giveaway: Give your health a boost

With a little luck you could win a health and wellbeing package to nourish body and soul. The set contains:

Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause moisturising lotion, 200ml
Pink yoga mat
Rituals organic herbal tea
Ritual of Ayurveda hand cream, 70ml
Breast Cancer Awareness scented candle

I would like*

to order a pink ribbon free of charge. For every ribbon ordered, SWICA donates 5 francs to Pink Ribbon Schweiz.

to participate in the “wellbeing package” prize draw.

to participate in both campaigns.

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Pregnancy and maternity

Do you have a baby on the way, or have you already given birth? SWICA will support you through every stage of motherhood – from pregnancy and birth, to your life as a family. With guidance, advice and benefits that noticeably relieve the burden on you.

Pregnancy and maternity

Sources:

^{• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

• https://www.pink-ribbon.ch/infos/#anleitung-zur-selbstabtastung

• https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21863Bundesamt für Statistik

• https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/onko-internetportal/basis-informationen-krebs/krebsarten/brustkrebs-definition-und-haeufigkeit.html

• https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast-subtypes.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/men.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.html

• Krebsliga Schweiz, Brustkrebs: www.krebsliga.ch, https://www.krebsliga.ch/landingpages/ernaehrung-und-krebs

• Swiss Cancer Screening: www.swisscancerscreening.ch

• Schweizer Gesellschaft für Senologie: www.senologie.ch

• World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), Ernährung: www.wcrf.org

• Swissbreastcare

• Universitätsklinik für medizinische Onkologie, Inselspital Bern

• https://www.hepa.admin.ch/de (Bewegung)

• Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft, Bewegung https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/onko-internetportal/basis-informationen-krebs/basis-informationen-krebs-allgemeine-informationen/sport-bei-krebs-so-wichtig-wie-.html}

Topics in this story:

Women's health

Prevention

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