Mammography from 45. An important step for women's health in Switzerland.
Today we're celebrating. Three Swiss medical societies recommend that organized mammography screening should start at age 45 in the future, instead of only at 50. It's a decision we at Radiosa have long hoped for, and an important step for women's health in Switzerland.
What this is about
In May 2026, SGR-SSR (Swiss Society of Radiology), SGS (Swiss Society of Senology), and SGGG (Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics) jointly recommended lowering the entry age for the cantonal mammography screening programs from 50 to 45 years.
This recommendation is a clear signal to policymakers, to the cantons, and to the health insurers. It comes at a time when case numbers are rising among younger women and the scientific evidence is becoming ever clearer.
More diagnoses don't automatically mean more illness. More diagnoses can mean we're looking earlier. And that saves lives. Radiosa
Three reasons why this matters
1. Breast cancer also affects women under 50
Among women aged 40 to 49, breast cancer is already the second most common cause of death in Switzerland. About 10 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women younger than 45. The earlier you look, the earlier you can act.
2. Early detection makes a measurable difference
The medical societies cite a study titled Effect of mammographic screening from age 40 years on breast cancer mortality. It shows that regular mammograms starting at age 40 can reduce mortality by around 25 percent. Countries that screen women starting at 40 have a significantly higher 10 year survival rate than those that start screening only at 50.
3. Other countries are ahead
Germany already lowered its screening age to 45 in March 2024. Austria also recommends screening starting at 45. In Sweden, screening for women under 50 has been established for more than two decades, with great success. Switzerland is now catching up with this international trend.
The benefits outweigh the risks
The radiation exposure from a mammogram is within a harmless range. According to the medical societies, the benefit to risk ratio for women between 40 and 49 is 259 to 1. In other words: the expected benefit is 259 times greater than the risk.
The earlier start also makes economic sense. Since the costs of modern breast cancer medications (for example CDK 4/6 inhibitors) have risen sharply in recent years, an early diagnosis helps reduce expensive and burdensome treatments at advanced stages. More quality of life for patients, less pressure on the healthcare system.
What isn't changing yet
The recommendation is an important step, but it's not yet a covered benefit. Before the entry age officially drops to 45, the recommendation has to be implemented by the cantons and the national health authorities. This process usually takes several months to years.
In the meantime, the situation remains different from one canton to the next. In the Vorsorge-Check, you'll find the current status on screening program, age, and cost coverage for every Swiss canton.
What you can do now
Even though the screening age is currently still 50, you have options:
- In your 40s: At your next gynecology appointment, talk about your personal risk assessment. Family history, breast density, hormonal background, lifestyle. Your doctor can help you figure out whether an earlier mammogram makes sense.
- If you have a family history: Actively ask about more intensive early detection. With a genetically elevated risk, mammography, ultrasound, or MRI are already possible starting at age 40.
- In general: Self-examination once a month, an annual gynecology appointment, and attention to changes in shape, skin, or nipple.
Sources to download
You can download the original press release from the three medical societies, dated May 2026, here:
The official contacts are: Prof. Dr. med. Andreas Gutzeit (SGR-SSR), Prof. Dr. med. Zsuzsanna Varga (SGS), and PD Dr. med. Claudia Rauh (SGGG).
The most important thing, last
A recommendation isn't a decision. But three Swiss medical societies calling together for a lower screening age is a strong signal. It means Swiss medicine is taking the rising numbers among younger women seriously. It's taking the research seriously. It's taking women seriously.
At Radiosa, we're glad. And we're staying on it. We're following how the recommendation gets implemented, and we'll share every important step. If you want to stay up to date, sign up for our newsletter. Clarity in BreastCare. Confidence in Women's Health.