About Cancer Support Switzerland

Our mission is to provide emotional support, practical help, wellbeing activities and a welcoming community in English to anyone affected by cancer.

two people holding hands

Our Vision

No one faces cancer alone.

Our Mission

To provide emotional support, practical help, wellbeing activities and a welcoming community in English to anyone affected by cancer.

Our Values

Supportive

To be there for anyone affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly, in a way that is supportive, non-judgmental and confidential

Personal

To understand that everyone is unique and respond accordingly to their needs, whether through emotional support, wellness-promoting services and activities, information or practical help

Inclusive

To provide an inclusive service for the diverse population through support in English for anyone regardless of background or culture

Community

To empower those affected by cancer through being part of a warm, supportive community where people can connect, share and also contribute by volunteering

Accessible for all

To ensure that money is not a barrier to anyone having access to the support they need

Who We Are

Cancer Support Switzerland is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support in English to individuals and families affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, in Switzerland and neighbouring regions.

People with cancer or their loved ones can receive support in dealing with all aspects of the disease, from the initial shock of diagnosis, to coping with cancer treatments and side effects, as well as managing relationships with children, family, and colleagues, and more.

How We Can Help

Our job is to make sure no one faces cancer alone. We are here to support you through a wide range of services, such as counselling by professional therapists, support groups and a range of wellbeing and community activities. Our support is tailored to each individual and family based on a thorough understanding of each situation and each person’s needs which will continue to be reassessed through their time of using our services. It is important to us that throughout your support journey you are heard, understood and involved.  

At the heart of what we do is a sense of community. Our trained peer supporters can accompany you throughout your journey and offer emotional support and practical help where needed. Alongside our professional team, we have a large volunteer base that helps us run all our services and activities. We are always open to new volunteers who are inspired by our mission.  

We work closely with hospitals and other healthcare establishments to ensure our support is complementary to the treatment and care patients receive. We also have an extensive partnership network with other local support organisations and experts for support needs not covered by our services.

Where you can find us

Cancer Support Switzerland is housed in the beautiful Château du Grand-Saconnex in Geneva, where services and activities are offered in a serene and confidential environment. This warm and welcoming space is open two days a week for anyone to drop in without a prior appointment.  

We also run monthly groups in Lausanne, with new services being planned in the Zürich region.  

We can support people anywhere in Switzerland and in the neighbouring regions through a range of services available online, including counselling, support groups, work and cancer coaching and yoga.  

All our services are in English, free of charge and open to anyone affected by cancer.

Picture of Le Chateau

Timeline

2022
First Annual Event

First annual Open House organized

2021
Updating Our Resources

Oncolexic English-French phrasebook launched, replacing In Other Words 

2020
Organization Moves Locations

ESCA CancerSupport Centre moves to the Château du Grand Saconnex

Centre closed and services move online when COVID-19 restrictions come into force

First Steps for CancerSupport fitness and fundraising challenge 

2018
Renaming the Organization

ESCA renamed as ESCA CancerSupport.

First March for CancerSupport annual Awareness

Walk in Geneva First support group starts in Lausanne 

2015
Second Support Service Created

Geneva Walk’nTalk sessions initiated

2011
Helping the Geneva Community

ESCA involved in setting up La Maison de Tara, Geneva’s first hospice 

2009
First Support Service

First fitness class started

2005
First resource developed

In Other Words English-French phrasebook launched 

2004
Renaming the Organization

ESCG renamed as English Speaking Cancer Association (ESCA).

Drop-In Centre, library, and offices opened in the Ecumenical Centre, Grand Saconnex.

Bosom Pals breast cancer support group initiated  

2003
Professional Counsellor Joins

First professional psychologist joins ECSG – first counselling sessions delivered. 

First Peer Support volunteer training.

First Annual Report published.

2000
Making it Official

ECSG set up as a legal entity, a not-for-profit organisation with six initial members 

1999
First Meeting

English-Speaking Cancer Support Group (ECSG) formed to give peer support to cancer patients and caregivers, initially meeting in an English-language bookstore in Geneva.