World Cancer Day 2026: The Prevention Gap in Switzerland Must Be Closed

In Switzerland, investments in preventive measures lag behind international best practices. Studies show that early detection of cancer can contribute to reducing mortality as well as healthcare costs. However, resources allocated for national prevention are limited. In the Public Health Index 2025, which compares countries in Europe on preventive measures in tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, and exercise, Switzerland ranks at the bottom with 32.4 out of 100 points.

Annually 48,000 New Cancer Cases and No National Cancer Strategy

According to the latest figures from the Swiss Cancer League's 'Cancer in Switzerland: Key Figures' report of November 2025, 21,644 women and 26,496 men are diagnosed with cancer annually in Switzerland, creating an average of 48,140 new Swiss 'cancer stories' each year. Since the expiration of the 'National Strategy Against Cancer' (NSK) at the end of 2020, there is no longer a nationally coordinated strategy to combat cancer. In particular, access to cancer early detection varies significantly between the cantons, which is increasingly being considered an inequality in the health policy debate. A national strategy against cancer, which provides uniform access to cancer screening programs such as breast cancer screening, could significantly improve the patient situation.

Cancer Prevention: Lagging in International Comparison

Internationally, Switzerland currently has different structural conditions in cancer prevention. According to the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP), a group of international organizations dedicated to fighting cancer, more than 120 countries have a national cancer plan. The European Union has pursued the goal with 'Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan' to enable 90 percent of the European population access to certain structured early detection programs by 2025, a target that could also serve as a guideline for Switzerland.

Early detection of breast cancer is not universally utilized because, on one hand, people do not feel personally addressed – they have no symptoms and think it does not concern them – and on the other hand, Switzerland has a patchwork of early detection programs. – Stefanie de Borba, Media Spokesperson for the Swiss Cancer League

February 4, 2026: World Cancer Day

'United by Unique' is the motto of World Cancer Day 2026, which stands for cancer patients who are connected by their diagnosis – each with their own story. As a partner organization of the campaign, the company MSD (MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) is committed to preventive examinations and early detection of cancer.

Cancer Care in Switzerland: Population Demands Greater Focus on Prevention & Awareness

The fourth survey by the research institute gfs.bern on cancer care in Switzerland, commissioned by MSD Switzerland (MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG), shows a significant gap between necessary preventive measures against cancer and their implementation. Respondents seek more prevention, awareness, and a more unified healthcare system in Switzerland.

Prevention Using Breast Cancer Early Detection as an Example

In Switzerland, women between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited every two years for a breast cancer screening as part of cantonal breast cancer early detection programs. As of February 2026, organized breast cancer early detection programs are established in 16 Swiss cantons. Four cantons (AG, GL, LU, SH) are in the planning phase. There are no organized breast cancer screening programs in six cantons (NW, OW, SZ, UR, ZG, ZH). In cantons without a program, the responsibility for breast cancer early detection lies with the woman or her treating physician.

MSD: Research and Development in the Fight Against Cancer

The company MSD has a long history of developing innovative medicines. In oncology, MSD focuses on immunotherapy, which aims to activate the body's immune system to fight the tumour. A great commitment to research and development has enabled MSD to build a broad-based research program with around 1,600 clinical studies. The current portfolio includes oncological medicines for the treatment of various cancer types.

MSD's Commitment Against Cancer in Switzerland

- Currently, there are 31 clinical MSD studies with cancer drugs ongoing in Switzerland. - Approximately 250 patients are currently participating in clinical MSD studies in Switzerland. - More than 15 different cancer types are being investigated in clinical MSD studies in Switzerland.

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: iStock / MSD