Detect breast cancer earlier: Aargau approves a funding program

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Switzerland and the canton of Aargau. Preventive screening using mammography — a special chest X-ray — can detect malignant tissue changes in women’s breasts before symptoms appear. The state chancellery of the canton of Aargau writes this in a statement today, Friday.

The early detection of breast cancer increases the patient’s chances of recovery and allows them to receive more gentle treatment. Population screening for mammography could also have a cost-reducing effect, as early-stage breast cancer treatment is often cheaper than late-stage treatment.

Pursuant to a motion of 9 January 2018, the Aargau Government Council has developed a cantonal mammography screening for the early detection of breast cancer in accordance with the specifications of the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG). 13 cantons already have a corresponding screening program.

If the commitment credit of up to CHF 12.4 million is approved, a service agreement can be concluded with an appropriate institution such as the Aargau Cancer League or the foundation “Aargau Cancer Screening” which will be established as the future program operator and 2 of 2 can be concluded. The service contract is intended, among other things, to regulate the financing of this new program, as well as the rights and obligations of the program operator. (luk/chmedia)