Number of people affected by cancer nearly doubles in Switzerland

Nearly 495,000 people in Switzerland have or have had cancer, according to figures reported exclusively by SRF. The total is more than twice as high as it was 20 years ago, a study by the National Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration and other researchers found.

The increase reflects better treatments and earlier diagnosis, as well as population growth and ageing, said study co-author Katharina Staehelin, director of the national cancer registration office. The figures are the first to be compiled nationwide using this methodology.

For people living with cancer, treatment can bring repeated setbacks. Viviane Mee, a scientist who has been fighting a tumour in her leg muscle for six years, said the hardest part was facing setbacks and finding the energy to start another treatment.

Cancer League Switzerland says people affected by cancer need better support beyond medical care. It is piloting a scheme in Winterthur that provides a coach when needed, and plans to introduce it in Ticino. Manuel Weber, the organisation’s cancer survivor specialist, said support should be tailored to what people need and when.

As more people survive cancer, the organisation says it is important to consider how to support their long-term quality of life. The chances of overcoming cancer have never been better, according to the report.