Breast cancer prevention

NCW recognises the value of Maltese women's participation in the international study on breast cancer prevention in post-menopause. Women who are considered to be at high risk of developing breast cancer should avail themselves of this opportunity after seeking advice and obtaining the necessary information.

On the other hand, the alarming results in the "Million Woman Study" indicating that women who take a combination of HRT treatment of oestrogen and progestagen after the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, call for caution in the use of HRT treatment.

In reality today more women are aware of osteoporosis and other aging conditions, whose risk HRT treatment can reduce or avoid. Consequently HRT is being taken for longer periods and not simply for a year or two to overcome the menopausal phase. Regular check-ups at one's gynaecologist to monitor one's condition is a responsibility that no woman should take lightly.

NCW is aware of the valuable prevention services, including breast screening offered at the Breast Care Unit for women who are referred by their general practitioner or gynaecologist. However, there is the need to ensure that all women, especially those at risk, should undergo breast screening as studies have shown that, so far, it is the most effective measure of detecting symptoms of breast cancer.

The Council therefore urges the health authorities to implement a national breast screening programme as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Breast Screening (2000) to ensure that all women at risk are screened. There is little time left if, according to the re-commendations, this preventive measure is to be evaluated by 2005.