Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women. One in eight women will be affected at some point in their lives. In Switzerland, around 6'660 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year – including a small number of men. Early detection plays a crucial role. If breast cancer is identified in the early stages, the chance of recovery improves significantly.
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.
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.
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.
One in eight women is affected
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer for women worldwide (more than lung cancer). One in eight women will unfortunately suffer from breast cancer at some point in their lives.
An increasing number of younger patients
The average age of diagnosis for breast cancer is around 64 years of age, which is a few years younger than the average age for all cancers. However, breast cancer is occurring more and more frequently in women under 50.
Early detection means a better chance of recovery
If breast cancer is discovered at an early stage, the chance of recovery is 99%.
That's why regular check-ups are essential in order to detect potential changes in a timely manner and to receive the best possible treatment.
Breast cancer also affects men
Men make up approximately one out of every hundred breast cancer cases, which is why awareness of these instances is quite low, which can mean that they are diagnosed later.
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.
Look at yourself in the mirror to check your breasts for changes such as retractions, bulging or folds in the skin. Check whether the position of your nipples has changed (this also includes an inverted nipple) and look out for redness, raw skin, a rash or swelling.
Stretch your arms up above your head and carefully squeeze each nipple. Look for any fluid leaking out.
Now check your breasts while you're lying down. Place the three middle fingers of your hand together flat and exert gentle pressure. Start with circular movements around each nipple and feel around each breast in increasingly larger circles.
While you're still lying down, press down on the breast with straight up-and-down movements. Increase the pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue nearer the rib cage.
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.
In this age group, breast cancer is of course rare, but it's still important to get a good feel for your breast tissue. Women should regularly check their breasts, and if they notice changes such as lumps, unusual swelling or pain, should consult a doctor.
Women between the ages of 30 and 40 should continue to regularly perform self-examinations on their breasts. If there are any noticeable changes or a family history of cancer, they should seek medical advice. In some cases, taking part in an early detection programme sooner may be recommended, particularly if the individual is at a higher risk.
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.
From the age of 50, all women in Switzerland are advised to get a mammogram every two years for the early detection of breast cancer. This examination is offered in many cantons as part of an early detection programme that is covered by basic insurance. Participating in this programme has proven to be very effective for lowering the fatality rate for breast cancer.
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.
Mammograms: breast screenings
How mammograms are performed:
During the examination, the doctor positions your breast between two panes of plexi-glass that are part of the mammogram machine.
These glass panes press the tissue together, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and that a better image quality can be achieved.
Some women find mammograms painful as the pressure on the breast is quite intense.
Ultrasounds: no radiation exposure for patients
How breast ultrasounds are performed:
For a breast ultrasound, the patient lies on an examination table.
She is asked to drape each arm over her head, one side at a time.
The transducer is systematically applied over the breast and armpit.
The examination does not involve any radiation exposure or risk for the patient.
«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, specialist at 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.
Nutrition
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.
Exercise
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.
Mental wellbeing
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
Nutrition
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.
Exercise
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.
Mental wellbeing
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.
SWICA can support you with exclusive services
Preventive health check with the Benecura app
The preventive health check tells you which check-ups are medically recommended based on your age, sex, personal history and risk factors. The results can be sent directly to your GP in encrypted form from the app for you to discuss together at a later appointment. The Benecura preventive health check takes into account all of the applicable recommendations in Switzerland, including those for breast cancer prevention. That means customers can find out which examinations are currently suitable for them based on their personal and family risk factors.
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 contributes to the costs of medical and gynaecological check-ups that are not part of basic healthcare but are used for early detection:
covers 90% of the cost to a maximum of 500 francs within a period of three calendar years
Optima gives you additional protection, covering 90% of the costs, with no maximum amount, for recognised check-ups and preventive screenings defined in a separate SWICA list.
Stronger together: our partnerships with Pink Ribbon Schweiz and Pink Cube
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.
In the pink container of Pink Cube, visitors will find out what's important when it comes to the early detection of breast cancer and how they themselves can actively support breast health.
They will learn how to recognise the risk factors and signs of breast cancer, how to detect a lump, and why it's important to regularly attend gynaecological check-ups and mammograms. Gynaecologists will provide free consultations and breast examinations in the Pink Cube.
No prior booking is required to take part. The Pink Cube will be available in various cities in 2025.
Order a free pink ribbon now. SWICA will donate 5 francs to Pink Ribbon for each order.
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.
• 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
