The Swiss Cancer League is a national, charitable, private organization, founded in 1910. It attends to all aspects of cancer, with the aim of ensuring that fewer people develop cancer and more people can be treated successfully. The Swiss Cancer League supports cancer research, increases public awareness of prevention measures and is committed to early diagnosis and treatment. One of its first concerns is to ensure high-quality advice and psychosocial support for patients and their relatives.
The league is organized as a federation and unites 20 cantonal and regional leagues in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Headquartered in Bern, it has approximately 85 employees, working mostly on a part-time basis. At the local and regional level, the 20 cantonal and regional cancer leagues provide psychosocial counseling and support for patients and their relatives locally. The Swiss Cancer League fulfils its manifold tasks primarily with the aid of donations. As a non-profit organization, it is member of the ZEWO foundation as well as the Swiss Association for Quality.
The Swiss Cancer League became full member of the UICC in 1935.