[Cancer screening in Switzerland : challenges and perspectives]

Cancer screening can have a significant public health impact when it is based on validated tests, accessible to the entire target population, and integrated into organized programs with quality assurance, as is the case for breast and colorectal cancer in most Swiss cantons. Cervical cancer screening, however, remains opportunistic in Switzerland and is not conducted as part of a structured program. A 4-year pilot project for lung cancer screening is underway in the canton of Vaud, with a national reimbursement request for low-dose CT scan under review. Discussions regarding skin and prostate cancer screenings are ongoing, though no reimbursement plans are in place yet. In the longer term, personalized, risk-based approaches, blood-based tests, and self-sampling methods could expand and refine cancer screening strategies.