The big breast issue

As readers leaf through the pages of Pink's October issue, which is out with The Times tomorrow, they will probably be hit by the fact that it is bursting at the seams with bosoms and bras! But there is a valid reason for this particular focus.

Being Breast Care Awareness Month, Pink's executive editors Fiona Galea Debono and Ariadne Massa have decided to play their own little part in the campaign to raise consciousness of the importance of early detection to avoid any nasty surprises.

After all, the statistics are stark, with one in 12 women in Malta developing breast cancer and 20 per cent of those diagnosed succumbing to the disease - the single most common cancer in Malta and the second most common killer of women! Despite continuous campaigns, there remains an average incidence of 200 new cases a year in Malta.

It turns out that breasts boast an abundance of angles that can be tackled and Pink has delved into a variety of related issues: breast cosmetic surgery - the order of the day; a vox pop to gauge the importance attributed to regular self-examination and the level of complacency out there; buying the right bra and the consequences of wearing the wrong one; a selection of the best bra buys on the market, plus everything readers want to know about breast cancer, with an emphasis on the fact that early detection can save lives.

But PINK has also been careful not to overdose on the subject and has tackled other topical issues such as the fear of flying that so many travellers face - a fear that has recently been augmented by the September 11 terrorist attacks and a spate of airplane disasters over the past couple of months. Its InFocus section offers the psychologist's consoling point of view, as well as a list of tips worth attempting to follow.

And onto another mode of transport - this time by sea... There's nothing negative, however, about double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson's sailing career. She'll be competing in the Rolex Middle Sea Race at the end of the month and PINK catches up with the champion before she gets here.

Neither has fashion been forfeited in this issue, which is complete with tips on the fall's top trends and accessories, while TravelOgue takes readers to Toronto, and OnForm explains how to fight wrinkles by exercising and strengthening facial muscles... giving the expensive creams and serums, or surgery a break.

The Big Breast Issue, as its editors have coined the 12th issue of Pink, invites readers to dive into it - the thickest to date - complete with a double dose of letters from its loyal followers.

Pink is a monthly magazine published by Allied Newspapers Ltd, printed by Progress Press Ltd and produced by MediaMaker.