Switzerland for Cancer Treatment
Switzerland is consistently ranked among the strongest healthcare systems in Europe, recognised for regulatory oversight, medical precision, and specialist access.
According to the Euro Health Consumer Index, Switzerland is ranked as the best healthcare system in Europe, noted for short waiting times, hygiene standards, treatment quality, and structured care delivery.
For cancer patients, you get rapid access to senior oncologists, advanced cancer treatments, world-class technology, international standards of care and multidisciplinary care.
Switzerland is also known for its specialised private hospital groups that specialises on oncology, complex surgery, and precision medicine.
Hirslanden Private Hospital Group stands out as one of the leading private hospital groups for cancer treatment in Switzerland for international patients.
You access advanced cancer surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, molecular genetic testing, CAR T-cell therapy, and second opinions for difficult or recurrent cases.
Speak with one of the Best Oncologists in Switzerland at Hirslanden
Hirslanden | Best Hospital for Cancer Treatment in Switzerland
Precision Oncology in a Regulated Swiss Healthcare System
Hirslanden is Switzerland’s largest private hospital group, operating 17 hospitals across 10 cantons and performing more than 16,000 cancer surgical procedures annually.
That surgical volume alone positions it among the most experienced cancer treatment providers in the country.
Their Cancer care is structured around weekly multidisciplinary tumour boards, where specialists in medical oncology, haematology, radiation oncology, pathology, surgery, radiology, and other relevant disciplines review each case. Treatment decisions are aligned through coordinated, evidence-based planning
Personalised oncology plays a central role. Molecular genetic testing is used alongside tumour type, stage, and patient factors to guide therapy selection.
Surgery may be combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or anti-hormonal treatment when clinically appropriate.
Why International Patients Choose Hirslanden for Cancer Care
- 16,000+ cancer surgeries annually
- Weekly multidisciplinary tumour board review for complex cases
- Certified European Cancer Centre in Zurich
- Personalised oncology using molecular genetic testing
- Advanced radiotherapy including Cyberknife and brachytherapy
- Klinik Hirslanden Zurich ranked No. 65 for World’s Best Hospitals 2025 (Newsweek)
- Hirslanden Klinik Aarau ranked No. 158 for World’s Best Hospitals 2025 (Newsweek)
- 91.5% patient recommendation rate
Consult With a Leading Oncology Specialist at Hirslanden Zurich
Cancers Treated at Hirslanden Hospitals Switzerland
Cancer treatment at Hirslanden Private Hospital Group is delivered through an integrated oncology model combining surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and molecular diagnostics.
| Treatment | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Cancer Surgery | Tumour removal, lymph node dissection, organ-preserving surgery where possible |
| Radiotherapy (External Beam) | Linear accelerator radiation targeting tumour tissue |
| CyberKnife (Stereotactic Radiotherapy) | Robot-assisted high-precision radiation for brain, lung, liver, spine tumours |
| Brachytherapy | Internal radiation via implanted radioactive sources, often for prostate cancer |
| Chemotherapy | Systemic drug therapy delivered intravenously or orally in cycles |
| Immunotherapy | Targeted antibodies stimulating immune response against cancer cells |
| Anti-Hormone Therapy | Hormone suppression therapy for breast or prostate cancer |
| CAR T-Cell Therapy | Advanced cell-based therapy for selected blood cancers |
| Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant | Bone marrow transplant for haematological malignancies |
| Oncology Second Medical Opinion (SMO) | Dossier review by oncology specialist |
Coordinated Oncology Through Tumour Board Planning
Every complex cancer case at Hirslanden is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board.
Specialists from oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology, radiation oncology, haematology and other relevant disciplines meet weekly to determine the safest and most effective treatment strategy.
Treatment is aligned around tumour biology, molecular testing results, and patient-specific risk factors. For international patients seeking cancer treatment in Switzerland, this coordinated model is one of the strongest differentiators.
Top Cancer Hospitals in Switzerland for Advanced Oncology Care (Zurich, Geneva & Aarau)
Hirslanden Private Hospital Group operates multiple oncology centres across Switzerland, with Zurich serving as its flagship cancer hub.
Best Cancer Hospitals in Zurich
1. Klinik Hirslanden Zurich
Closest airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Distance: approximately 15 km
Travel time: around 25 minutes by car
Ranked 65th globally in World’s Best Hospitals 2025, it is one of the most advanced hospitals for cancer treatment in Switzerland
2. Klinik Im Park Zurich
Closest airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Distance: approximately 14 km
Travel time: around 20 minutes
Best Cancer Hospital in Aarau
Hirslanden Klinik Aarau
- Closest airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Distance: approximately 50 km
- Travel time: around 45–60 minutes
- Ranked 158th globally in Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2025, Aarau supports complex oncological surgery and radiotherapy.
Best Cancer Hospital in Geneva
Clinique La Colline & Clinique des Grangettes
Closest airport: Geneva Airport (GVA)
Travel time: approximately 20–30 minutes
Geneva is frequently chosen by patients travelling from France, Italy, the Middle East, and North Africa due to language accessibility and international connectivity.
Explore Cancer Treatment at Switzerland’s Leading Oncology Hospitals
Cancers Treated at Hirslanden Hospital in Switzerland
Below are the most treated cancers among international patients. This list is not limited to these diagnoses.
Breast Cancer
Early detection can lead to survival rates approaching 90%.
Treatment includes breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy when required, radiotherapy, anti-hormone therapy, and HER2-targeted therapy where indicated.
Prostate Cancer
Early detection via PSA and biopsy allows curative surgery or radiotherapy in many cases.
Treatment options include prostatectomy, brachytherapy, radiotherapy, and anti-hormonal therapy.
Lung Cancer
Managed through surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted molecular therapy depending on staging and genetic mutation status.
Brain Tumours
Includes glioblastoma, meningioma, neuroma, and brain metastases.
Managed through neurosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy such as CyberKnife, chemotherapy, or combined approaches.
Liver Cancer and Liver Metastases
Treatment options include surgical resection, chemoembolisation, laser ablation, or transplant evaluation where indicated.
Pancreatic Cancer
Managed through pancreatic surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combination treatment.
Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer
Diagnosed via colonoscopy and biopsy.
Early-stage disease may be treated surgically. Advanced stages often combine surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Skin Cancer
Includes melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and spinalioma. Early-stage melanoma can often be cured surgically. Advanced melanoma may require immunotherapy.
Haematological Malignancies
Includes leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma. Treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Hirslanden’s oncology model integrates surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, molecular diagnostics, and supportive care under one coordinated structure.
Discuss My Specific Cancer Diagnosis with a Swiss Oncology Expert
Cost of Cancer Treatment in Switzerland: Private Oncology Pricing at Hirslanden
Cancer treatment costs in Switzerland vary widely depending on the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, treatment complexity, technology used, and length of hospital stay.
Below is a structured pricing overview that patients commonly encounter when planning treatment at Hirslanden or similar Swiss private hospitals.
Cost of Cancer Treatment in Switzerland
| Treatment Category | What It Covers | Approximate Price Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology Second Opinion | Review of medical files before treatment | CHF 900 |
| Cancer Surgery | Tumour removal with/ without lymph node dissection | CHF 25,000 – 60,000+ |
| External Beam Radiotherapy | Precision radiation therapy | CHF 15,000 – 35,000 |
| CyberKnife / Stereotactic Radiotherapy | High-precision robotic radiotherapy | CHF 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Brachytherapy | Internal radiation therapy | CHF 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Chemotherapy | Systemic anti-cancer drug treatment | CHF 5,000 – 15,000 per cycle |
| Immunotherapy | Targeted immune-based cancer drugs | CHF 8,000 – 20,000+ per cycle |
| Anti-Hormone Therapy | Hormonal treatment (breast/prostate cancers) | CHF 2,000 – 6,000 per cycle |
| CAR T-Cell Therapy | Advanced personalised cell therapy | CHF 350,000 – 450,000+ |
| Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant | Bone marrow/immune system reset | CHF 150,000 – 250,000+ |
Important: These ranges are indicative based on cancer care in Swiss private hospitals. Final costs depend on diagnosis, required sessions, inpatient days, medication choice, and individual response.
Receive a Clear Estimate for My Cancer Treatment in Switzerland
Technology for Cancer Treatment at Hirslanden
Cancer outcomes depend on 2 things: accurate diagnosis and precise treatment delivery. Hirslanden integrates both within a regulated Swiss oncology framework.
Across its oncology centres in Zurich, Aarau and Geneva, cancer care is supported by advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics and high-precision radiotherapy systems.
- Advanced Diagnostic Infrastructure
Accurate staging and tumour profiling determine the entire treatment strategy. Hirslanden provides:
- High-resolution MRI and CT imaging
- PET-CT for metabolic tumour assessment
- Molecular genetic analysis for precision oncology
- Histopathology with immunohistochemistry
- PSA testing for prostate cancer
- Mammography for breast cancer detection
- Image-guided biopsy and puncture procedures
- Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology Technologies
Radiotherapy is used in approximately 50% of all cancer treatments globally. At Hirslanden Private Hospital Group, multiple radiation modalities are available depending on tumour type and location.
- Linear Accelerator (LINAC)
Used for external beam radiotherapy. Enables intensity-modulated radiotherapy which shapes radiation beams precisely to tumour volume while protecting surrounding tissue.
- On-Board Imaging (OBI)
Real-time imaging during radiation delivery. Ensures accurate patient positioning and improves dose precision. This reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
- 4D CT Planning Scanner
Large-bore CT scanner designed specifically for radiotherapy planning. Allows motion tracking during breathing for lung and liver tumours.
- CyberKnife (Stereotactic Radiotherapy)
Robot-assisted system delivering radiation from over 1,000 angles. Frequently used for:
- Brain tumours
- Spine tumours
- Lung metastases
- Liver metastases
Maintains targeting precision even during patient breathing.
- Brachytherapy
Internal radiation delivered directly into tumour tissue. Commonly used for prostate cancer. Allows high local radiation dose with reduced systemic exposure.
- Intraoperative Radiotherapy (Intrabeam)
Radiation delivered immediately after tumour removal during surgery, often in selected breast cancer cases.
These technologies support high-precision cancer treatment in Switzerland, particularly in Zurich where dedicated radiotherapy institutes operate within the Hirslanden network.
Step-by-Step Guide for International Patients Seeking Cancer Treatment in Switzerland
Step 1: Submit Your Medical Records
You provide:
- Diagnosis reports
- Imaging (MRI, CT, PET-CT if available)
- Pathology and histology results
- Treatment history
Records can be reviewed for:
- Treatment planning
- In-person consultation
- Oncology second medical opinion
Oncology second medical opinion at Hirslanden costs CHF 900 and is delivered within 7 days once documents are complete.
Step 2: Receive Treatment Plan and Cost Estimate
After review, you receive:
- Proposed treatment strategy
- Estimated duration of stay
- Itemised cost breakdown
- Recommended specialist
Cancer treatment costs in Switzerland vary depending on tumour type and stage, but clarity is provided before scheduling.
Step 3: Visa and Travel Planning
If required, a Medical Visa Invitation is issued after treatment scheduling and confirmed payment.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen zone. Patients from this zone do not require visas for short stays.
They include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden
Primary international airports:
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Geneva Airport (GVA)
Hospitals are within 20–30 minutes of major airports.
Step 4: Arrival and Consultation
Upon arrival:
- You meet your senior consultant
- Additional diagnostics are completed if required
- Final treatment plan is confirmed
Doctors speak German and English. French is widely available in Geneva. Interpreters for Arabic, Russian and other languages can be arranged.
Step 5: Treatment Phase
Depending on your case, treatment may involve:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Combined modality therapy
Treatment scheduling is structured and supervised by oncology specialists and tumour board oversight.
Step 6: Follow-Up and Return Home
Before departure:
- Discharge summary provided in English or German
- Treatment documentation prepared
- Follow-up plan outlined
Ongoing monitoring can be coordinated remotely where appropriate.
Plan My Cancer Treatment Journey to Switzerland with Expert Support
How My 1Health Supports Your Cancer Care at Hirslanden
My 1Health is a global medical tourism facilitator assisting patients travelling to Switzerland for cancer treatment.
The service carries no additional cost to you because of the established partnership with Hirslanden.
Support includes:
Before Travel
- Medical record coordination
- Oncology second opinion arrangement
- Treatment cost estimation
- Visa guidance
- Hospital appointment scheduling
During Your Stay
- Coordination with Hirslanden International
- Language support assistance
- Accommodation guidance near Zurich and Geneva oncology centres
- Continuous communication support
After Treatment
- Remote follow-up coordination
- Medical documentation management
- Planning future review visits
Direct Contact for International Patients
- WhatsApp: +1 718 550 0880
- Telephone: +1 718 550 0880
- Email: [email protected]
Let My 1Health Coordinate My Cancer Treatment at Hirslanden Switzerland
