Swiss Breast Cancer Screening Faces Setback as Minimally Invasive Biopsies Threatened

A recent change in reimbursement tariffs for breast cancer prevention in Switzerland is raising concerns among radiologists, who fear a return to more invasive diagnostic procedures. Radiologist Nadja Mamisch has voiced strong criticism, stating, “This decision sets women’s medicine back at least 20 years.”

The Shift Away From Minimally Invasive Biopsies

The core of the issue lies in the reduced reimbursement for minimally invasive vacuum biopsies, a technique that has largely replaced diagnostic surgery in many cases over the past two decades. This procedure, performed with local anesthesia, allows doctors to take several tissue samples using a needle, typically taking 30 to 60 minutes, allowing patients to return home the same day. The latest tariffs, effective since the beginning of 2026, are reportedly insufficient to cover the costs for those performing the biopsies.

Return to Open Surgery?

The concern is that reduced financial viability of vacuum biopsies will force a return to open breast surgery – performed under general anesthesia – for diagnostic purposes. Open surgery requires a larger incision, leaves a visible scar, necessitates a longer recovery period, and carries greater psychological strain for patients. Mamisch emphasizes this represents a loss of patient autonomy, depriving women of the ability to choose the treatment best suited to their needs.

“Breast Forward” Campaign and Petition

In response, Mamisch founded the “Breast Forward” campaign and launched a petition, which has already garnered 19,000 signatures in two months. The campaign aims to secure a recalculation of the flat rates to ensure the continued availability of minimally invasive biopsies.

The Financial Strain on Clinics

Mamisch explains that the new flat rate leaves little to no financial margin for clinics offering the procedure. She states, “It’s not like there’s little money left over. There’s nothing left.” This could lead to reduced capacity or even closure of private institutes, and longer waiting times in public hospitals. Delayed diagnosis due to limited access to biopsies could also delay necessary breast cancer surgery, adding to patient anxiety.

Prio Swiss Defends New Tariff Structure

Prio Swiss, the health insurance association, defends the new tariff structure, stating it is based on updated methodology and real cost data. They also point out that the new tariff allows for continuous adjustment and that specialist societies have the opportunity to apply for recalculation. However, they claim that publicly critical specialists have not yet formally pursued this option.

Prio Swiss also emphasizes the ethical obligation of doctors to prioritize patient care over profit, questioning the argument that minimally invasive biopsies would be replaced by surgery for financial reasons.

The Future of Breast Cancer Screening in Switzerland

Mamisch remains committed to ensuring all women in Switzerland have access to the best possible diagnostic care. The “Breast Forward” campaign will continue collecting signatures until the conclude of April, hoping to prompt a reassessment of the current tariff structure and preserve access to minimally invasive breast cancer screening methods.