Our team

Together Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. At MSD, we stand in solidarity with those affected and are committed to raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of prevention and early detection. That is why we support a range of initiatives and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Learn more about our commitment.

26.06.2026

Banner: MSD supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month October

In Switzerland, around 6,800 women and 60 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Although new therapies have improved the prognosis of patients with breast cancer, around 1,400 women still die from the disease in Switzerland every year.

“We stand united for the mothers, sisters, daughters and loved ones impacted by breast cancer and do everything we can to drive further innovation to help save and improve lives.”

As with many other cancers, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of a cure. That’s why we support various initiatives to raise awareness!

Awareness campaign in the Pink Cube

Since 2022, we have supported the “PINK CUBE Test Your Breast” awareness initiative together with EUROPA DONNA Switzerland, the Swiss Cancer League, and many other partners and sponsors.

Every year, the pink PINK CUBE travels across Switzerland, bringing breast cancer prevention and early detection directly to where women are: city centres, railway stations, and village squares. Free of charge and easily accessible. Everyone is invited to visit the PINK CUBE.

Find out more here

Website about breast cancer

Our patient portal, MSD Gesundheit, contains detailed information about breast cancer, including risks and options for prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

In addition, the website offers answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer and information on where affected people can get advice and support.

Visit the MSD Patient Portal

Pink Ribbon Charity Walk

A special moment for us! Every year, a team from MSD Switzerland takes part in the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk.

This solidarity walk brings people together to show their support for those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness of the disease.

MSD employees at the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk

Facts about breast cancer you should know

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancer diagnoses. In Switzerland, about 6,800 women and 60 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and around 1,400 women die from it each year. The rate of disease increases with age. Nevertheless, one in five women is younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis. Mammography is the most important examination for the early detection of breast cancer. It can reveal a tumor before it can be felt or causes any symptoms. The Cancer League recommends that women aged 50 and over have a mammogram every two years. Regular self-examination of the breasts also helps women become more familiar with their bodies and notice any changes that should be checked by a doctor.

The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of cure. That’s the message we want to get across to everyone!

About our clinical research in Oncology

Did you know that MSD operates one of the world’s largest and fastest growing clinical research programs in oncology? It currently includes more than 1,600 clinical trials. Switzerland is part of this research program. Our team currently coordinates 40 clinical trials in different tumor types (as of 01/2026). MSD is also one of the leading companies in the research of vaccines against preventable diseases, such as cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. In Switzerland, we collaborate with various partners to advance innovative solutions in cancer treatment. In recent years, we have made an important contribution to improving treatment options for cancer patients.

Find out more about our work here.

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Our team

Volunteering? A point of honor for us at MSD

Did you know that MSD employees can use 40 hours of paid working time each year to volunteer in various projects? Here you can find out how this can look like.

13 October 2025

Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne und Zurich

Every year, our employees support voluntary activities for their communities. The Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich, organized together with the IG Sauber Umwelt (IGSU), are an example of such a volunteering opportunity.

Employees from all five MSD Switzerland locations were invited to roll up their sleeves on two days and help to rid the cities of Lucerne and Zurich of waste. A team of over 50 employees gathered to work together for this good cause.

«We have collected over 68 kg of waste and disposed of it correctly!»

Anabel D., MSD employee at the Citybay location, Lucerne

Picture: MSD employees in action — MSD employees in action

Picture: 2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected — 2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected

Picture: Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich — Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich

Why volunteering is important to us at MSD

Volunteering at MSD means get involved for worthy charitable organizations on a voluntary basis during paid working hours. Another possibility is to contribute your professional skills to international projects within the MSD Fellowship for Global Health Programs.

Our volunteer commitment is a sign of solidarity. It aims to promote a culture of social interaction, improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people and benefit the community. Simply put, with our commitment we want to help and give something back to society and our environment. Those who volunteer also take advantage of the opportunity to network with other MSD colleagues and learn or improve skills that are not part of their everyday work routine.

«The Clean-Up-Days were a great experience and an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other locations.»

Rafael F., MSD employee at The Circle location, Zurich

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Our team

Walking the Talk: Lunch & Learn about HPV

Prevention starts with us! To mark International HPV Awareness Day, we met with gynecologist Dr. Alina Staikov for a Lunch & Learn. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to learn about the impact human papillomavirus (HPV) can have on our health and how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the viruses and certain cancers it causes.

31 March 2023

MSD employees at the Lunch & Learn about HPV with Dr. Alina Staikov

In celebration of International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, our Leadership Team invited all MSD employees to a Lunch & Learn with Dr. Alina Staikov. She is a gynecologist committed to the fight against cancer and is dedicated to education, treatment, prevention and early detection of the disease.

What does cancer have to do with HPV? Human papillomaviruses can cause cancer in some cases. The good thing is, if you are informed, you can protect yourself from HPV, prevent HPV-related cancers or get early treatment for them!

At MSD, we are committed to the prevention and early detection of cancer

As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in oncology, we don’t just focus on educating the public – we live by what we say. This is why we regularly organize internal events to educate ourselves further on pertinent subjects – in this case about HPV and how it impacts health. More than 50 colleagues from all Swiss subsidiaries took the opportunity to learn from Dr. Staikov and ask their questions.

HPV can cause certain cancers

Dr. Staikov presented key facts about HPV. Among the other information she provided, she explained that these viruses are common and even teenagers should know about them, because even they can become infected. She explained that almost everyone will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime and what can happen if the virus does not go away on its own. This is the specific reason why Dr. Staikov focused on the options of early prevention and detection. After her lecture, we were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, making the event interactive and vibrant. What is the message we took away? Read the next section!

Five facts about HPV that everyone should know

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and can occur in teenagers and adults.
People are infected with HP viruses through person-to-person contact involving the skin and mucous membranes.
HP viruses can cause certain cancers and precancerous tissue abnormalities.
The most common HPV-related cancers include cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oral and pharyngeal cancers.
Safer sex and vaccination can help prevent certain HPV-related diseases.

“Getting the information to the people is the most important thing. If they are not informed, they can’t make decisions and they don’t have choices.“

The stage at the Lunch & Learn about HPV — At the event

MSD employees — Applause for Dr. Staikov

The event was a great opportunity for us to learn as a team and live by MSD culture.

Would you like to know more about HPV?

More information for parents, women, and men

Discover more

Want to know more about cervical cancer?

More information about the disease and treatment options

Information for women
Information for healthcare professionals

Mutter und Tochter laufen nebeneinander Arm in Arm

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