Support cancer research and make a difference

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. In Switzerland, around 6,600 women are diagnosed each year, and up to 80% of these tumors are hormone receptor-positive. These cancers respond to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, but one hormone has received far less attention: testosterone.

Although often associated with men, testosterone also plays an important role in the female body. It has recently attracted more attention because many contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies contain progestins, which are hormone-like substances that can behave differently depending on their chemical structure. Some progestins act like testosterone, while others block its effects. Because breast tissue is very sensitive to hormones, these differences may influence breast cancer risk.

To address this gap, Prof. Dr. Cathrin Brisken and her research team at EPFL are studying how different hormones, both individually and in combination, affect both healthy breast cells and hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. Their goal is to better understand how testosterone and various progestins influence cell growth and which hormonal environments may increase or reduce risk.

Millions of women use hormonal therapies for many years, yet their long-term impact on breast cancer risk is still not fully understood. Prof. Brisken’s research aims to close this knowledge gap so that future therapies can be made safer, protecting women’s health while still providing the benefits they need.

Your support makes this important research possible, helping pave the way for safer hormone therapies and better protection for women’s long-term health.