Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented? Let Us Talk About It.
1 in 8 women. (2) That is how many of us will face a breast cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. It is a number that is hard to ignore—and it is exactly why we need to talk about prevention, early detection, and innovation now more than ever.
That is why this year’s Tech4Eva Opening Conference is putting the spotlight on breast cancer. On May 12th, we are bringing the global women’s health community together—virtually and in-person at the Rolex Forum in Lausanne—to accelerate solutions, share research, and push boundaries in the fight against this disease.
Whether you are a founder, investor, researcher, policymaker, or just passionate about women's health—this event is your chance to be part of the movement toward better health for all.
Meet Prof. Cathrin Brisken – our Keynote voice for prevention
We are honored to welcome Prof. Cathrin Brisken as our keynote speaker. She is currently Associate Professor, ISREC, School of Lifesciences, EPFL, and active at The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Center and The Institute of Cancer Research London, UK. She is a leading physician-scientist and a powerhouse in the field of breast cancer research.
In her keynote talk, titled “How can breast cancer be prevented by blocking hormones?”, Prof. Brisken will reveal a critical—but often overlooked—piece of the puzzle: the connection between hormones and cancer development.
Here is a fact that might surprise you: over 70% of breast cancers are hormone sensitive. (3) That means your own body’s hormones—as well as those from contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy—can influence your risk.
Prof. Brisken’s lab is working to understand (5) how repeated exposure to estrogen, progesterone, and other hormonally active compounds shapes breast tissue over time—and how this leads to cancer. Her talk will highlight how this knowledge could open doors to new prevention strategies. You should not miss it.
What everyone should know about breast cancer
Imagine standing in a room with eight of your closest friends. Maybe it’s your childhood friend, your sister, your colleague, your neighbor—the women who make up your everyday life. Now picture this: statistically, one of you will face a breast cancer diagnosis in your lifetime.
It’s a sobering thought. But it’s also a powerful call to action.
Breast cancer does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, at any age, and often without warning. But here is what many do not realize: there are several types of breast cancer (4)—some grow slowly, others rapidly. Some stay within the milk ducts (non-invasive), while others spread into surrounding tissues (invasive). Understanding the type and catching it early can make all the difference.
The good news? When detected early, the 5-year survival rate can be over 90%. (2) That is why awareness and early screening matter. It is about empowering women to understand their risk, know their bodies, and take action without fear or delay.
The start-ups changing the game
We are not just talking about research—we are supporting real solutions. At Tech4Eva, we work with start-ups that are tackling breast cancer from every angle: detection, imaging, treatment, and prevention.
Meet the Tech4Eva alumni innovators you will want to keep your eye on:
b-rayZ (Switzerland) - Enhancing breast imaging operations with a revolutionary AI technology that can easily detect, locate and characterize breast cancer on medical images, at very early signs. Their AI medical software offers women the opportunity to start therapies at an earlier stage. This not only provides optimal care, but it also protects physicians from the liability risks associated with diagnostic challenges, and it reduces overall healthcare costs.
DeepLook Medical (USA) – Revolutionizing medical imaging with DL Precise™, an FDA-cleared tool that helps radiologists quickly and accurately detect lesions in even the densest breast tissue—with just one click.
Herosupport SA (Switzerland) – Creators of the Venus Shell, a custom 3D-printed device that improves precision in breast cancer radiation therapy while maximizing patient comfort and reducing treatment time.
Mamotest (Argentina) – Breaking down barriers in Latin America with Bolder, a digital platform that connects women to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment—seamlessly. With tele-radiology, patient support, and data insights, they are improving outcomes across fragmented health systems.
Namida Lab, Inc. (USA) – Innovators behind Auria, the world’s first at-home biological breast cancer screening test that uses your tears. Yes—tears. It is a simple, accessible way to detect early signs and could change how we think about screening forever.
OncoGenomx (Switzerland) - Revolutionizing cancer treatment thanks to PredictionStarm the first-of-its-kind point-of-care technology platform, designed for use in any cancer hospital. It operates by analyzing tumor-specific genomic, biological, pathological, and patient-specific clinical data using patented algorithms—matching each tumor with the most effective drugs through intelligence-augmented processes, and calibrating treatment decisions with real-world outcome data to support evidence-based therapy.
Palpa® (Chile) – Making breast self-exams part of your daily routine. Palpa is a tactile, breast-shaped tool you use in the shower to learn what abnormalities feel like—boosting awareness and self-confidence.
Predilife (France) – A leader in predictive medicine, using AI and big data to calculate personalized breast cancer risk and help people take preventive steps early.
These start-ups are proving that the future of breast cancer care is smart, accessible, and patient-centered. And discover the 2025 start-ups addressing this space with their solutions on May 12th!
Why You Should Join the Tech4Eva Opening Conference
This event is so much more than a conference—it is a community of changemakers coming together to transform women’s health.
Why attend?
✅ Gain knowledge on the latest trends advancing women's health—straight from the leading global innovators
💼 Find Femtech solutions, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships that can spark your next big move
🌐 Expand your research or business network within the growing Femtech and digital health ecosystem
🚀 Meet the disruptive 2025 Tech4Eva start-ups who are redefining what is possible in women’s health
Whether you are tuning in from your laptop or joining us at the Rolex Forum in Lausanne, you will leave inspired—and ready to make a difference.
🔗 Register now and join the cause—Because better health for women is better health for everyone. And it starts with prevention.
https://www.tech4eva.ch/event/tech4eva-opening-conference-2025
The 2025 Tech4Eva cohort will be revealed on May 12, 2025: https://www.tech4eva.ch/startups
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO).
Cancer Fact Sheet. Updated February 2024.
Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer - American Cancer Society.
Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2023–2024.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics.html - National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version.
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Is Breast Cancer?
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm - École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) – Brisken Lab.
Research on Endocrine Regulation and Breast Carcinogenesis.
Available at: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/brisken-lab/