What we do to support Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A month dedicated to those affected and to raising public awareness about the causes, early detection and prevention of the disease. Did you know lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide? At MSD, we are committed to fighting lung cancer and improving cancer care. Learn how we support Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
29.10.2025
In Switzerland around 4,900 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year and about 3,300 die from it. Almost all new patients are over 50 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread. Therefore, they are often diagnosed at a late stage. If the cancer has already spread outside the lungs, the prognosis for patients is very poor. But because of new effective treatments, this is changing. Many people think a lung cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. However, over the past decade, new advancements have been made, which have led to more survivors and more hope for those facing the disease.
“At MSD, we show solidarity for those affected and continue to push for progress in cancer care.”
Despite how common lung cancer is, there are still many misconceptions about the disease. That’s why we support various initiatives to raise awareness!
Website for lung cancer patients
The website on the MSD Patient Portal provides detailed information on the main types of lung cancer, diagnosis and treatment options, answers to the most frequent questions and information on where patients can get advice and support.
In addition, lung cancer patients can download various checklists with questions to help them prepare for their next doctor’s appointment.
LuftiBus
Many lung diseases develop unnoticed – early detection can make a decisive difference. Prevention begins with education. That is why MSD supports LuftiBus and LUNGE Zurich – in 2025 as main sponsor. Visitors to the LuftiBus can learn about respiratory diseases, early detection, and lung health, and lung health, and have a free lung check.
At MSD, we are proud to support this initiative as a sponsor, because prevention is a key contribution to promoting health.
Online lung check
In many cases, lung cancer is only discovered at an advanced stage. This may be because the signs and symptoms are also typical of other diseases and are not immediately associated with lung cancer.
Do you know the symptoms of lung cancer? Do you have symptoms that you should have checked out by a doctor?
Facts about lung cancer you should know
Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Switzerland. Around 4,900 people are newly diagnosed with it every year, around 3,300 die of it every year. While anyone can get lung cancer, your risk goes up if you are over 50 years old and currently smoke or smoked in the past. Not smoking is the most important measure to prevent lung cancer.
Lung cancer is not a death sentence. There are several treatment options, but early detection is key and can save lives. If you have an unexplained, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks or shortness of breath, visit your doctor!
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 36 clinical trials in different tumor types (as of 07/2025). 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.
CH-NON-01949, 10/2025