Health · Public Health & Disease · 8 hrs ago
Nearly 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer
Around 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer, more than twice the number recorded 20 years ago.
The increase reflects better treatment and earlier diagnosis, as well as a growing and ageing population in which more people develop cancer.
The chances of beating cancer are better than ever, although a diagnosis and treatment can disrupt everyday life.
The Swiss Cancer League says people affected need support beyond medical care to help them maintain quality of life over the long term.
A pilot project in Winterthur offers cancer patients a coach, and a similar project is planned for Ticino.
The work aims to identify what support people need and when, as the number of cancer survivors grows.
About 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer, according to new figures reported by SRF.
That is more than double the number recorded 20 years ago.
Researchers attribute the increase to better treatment and earlier diagnosis, as well as population growth and ageing.
The Cancer League says people with cancer need more support focused on long-term quality of life.
A pilot project provides cancer patients with a coach in Winterthur, with a similar service planned for Ticino.
- Who
- Around 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer.
- What
- New figures show the number has more than doubled in 20 years.
- When
- The figures were reported on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Better treatments and earlier diagnosis mean more people live after cancer; population growth and ageing also contribute to more cases.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The number of people in Switzerland who had or had had cancer was a little over half the current figure.
Viviane Mee has been fighting a tumour in her leg muscle.
SRF reported new figures showing that around 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer.
A cancer-support coach is being offered through a pilot project in Winterthur, with a service planned for Ticino.
- People with cancer
- Around 495,000
- Comparison
- More than double the figure from 20 years ago
- Study
- National Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration (NICER), with other researchers
- Pilot project
- Winterthur; planned for Ticino
- Viviane Mee
- Has been fighting a tumour in her leg muscle for six years
What people are saying
The hardest thing really is the setbacks – and then still agreeing to another treatment and carrying on. That takes enormous energy.
On the one hand, treatment methods are getting better and cancer is being diagnosed earlier. But because the population is growing and ageing, more people are also getting cancer.
We also have to ask ourselves: How can we ensure a good quality of life for those affected in the long term?