This new practice is of fundamental importance, says the Swiss Cancer League, which has been pushing for the new law for over 20 years.
“The data will make it possible to better understand the cause of the cancers, as well as to plan screening measures in a more targeted way,” Rolf Marti, head of the league’s research, innovation and development sector, said in a media releaseExternal link. “This data will also give indications on the quality of care.”
The federal law on the registration of oncological diseases requires doctors, laboratories, hospitals and health institutions to report any data relating to diagnosed cancers to cantonal registries or to the childhood cancer registry. The law obliges all cantons to finance and maintain these registers.
Data protection
Patients need not worry about confidentiality. The law guarantees that their personal data will be protected.
Two categories of information will be provided. The basic data will relate to the type and stage of the disease or the first treatment. For breast, prostate and colon cancer, additional data will be entered.
Detailed information about the course of the disease and the treatment will be collected for children and adolescents.
More
More
Heart disease and cancer still biggest causes of death
This content was published on
Cardiovascular disease and cancer were the two most widespread causes of death in Switzerland in 2017, new statistics have shown.
Swiss population satisfied with life according to survey
This content was published on
In a survey, the population of German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland expressed general satisfaction with their lives. Respondents were less happy with politics and their personal finances, according to the online comparison service Moneyland.
WHO ‘extremely concerned’ about growing vaccination scepticism
This content was published on
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccination scepticism and a collapse in funding for vaccination campaigns pose a major threat to the health of the world's population.
High-net-worth individuals prioritise well-being over material possessions
This content was published on
The priorities of wealthy private individuals have shifted against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. While spending on luxury goods is declining, demand for travel and experiences is unabated.
Swiss researchers sequence genome of 1918 Spanish flu virus
This content was published on
Researchers from the Universities of Basel and Zurich (UZH) have sequenced the genome of the Spanish flu virus, thanks to a sample taken from an 18-year-old Swiss boy who died in the city on the Limmat in 1918, when the pandemic spread around the world.
Swiss martyr beatified in Barcelona by Catholic Church
This content was published on
François-Benjamin May (1870-1909), a member of the Marist Brothers congregation, has been recognised as a 'blessed' by the Catholic Church.
Swiss researchers decode cell receptor in cancer metastasis
This content was published on
Researchers in Switzerland have deciphered the structure of a cell receptor, unlocking new hope for the prevention of metastasis of certain cancers.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.