Number of people living with cancer in Switzerland doubles over 20 years

Photo of doctor looking at medical linear accelerator, which is used for external beam radiation therapy to treat many types of cancer — Keystone / Gaetan Bally

Nearly half a million people in Switzerland are living with or have previously had cancer. At the same time, treatments are continuing to improve.

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This content was published on

November 4, 2026 – 09:24

New figures obtained exclusively by Swiss public broadcaster SRF show that around 495,000 people in Switzerland are living with or have previously had cancer.

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That number was just over half as high 20 years ago. The figures come from a study by the National Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration (NICER), carried out in collaboration with other researchers.

The study, which used this methodology across Switzerland for the first time, found that the increase is being driven by two factors, says study co-author Katharina Staehelin, director of the National Cancer Registration Centre: “On the one hand, cancer is being detected earlier and treatments continue to improve. On the other hand, a growing and ageing population means more people are developing cancer.”

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Support beyond treatment

The Swiss Cancer League believes people with cancer need more than medical treatment alone. As part of a pilot scheme in Winterthur, those affected can be assigned a coach if needed. The programme is due to be rolled out in canton Ticino as well.

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The focus needs to extend beyond medical treatment alone, says Manuel Weber, a cancer survivor specialist at the Swiss Cancer League. “We also need to ask how we can help people maintain a good quality of life in the long term. To do that, we need a clear picture of the support people need, as well as when and where they need it.”

Female patient lying in hospital bed (KEYSTONE/PHOTOALTO "S/Michele Constantini)

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Under-50s cancer patients face system unprepared for them

This content was published on

Nov 17, 2025

Countries, including Switzerland, are struggling to deal with the challenges posed by rising cancer rates among people under 50.

That requires a change in mindset, as the number of cancer survivors continues to grow. After all, the chances of surviving cancer are better today than ever before.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.

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