When her mother succumbed to breast cancer at 45, Jackie Vassallo was oblivious to the increased risk of contracting the disease herself or the importance of being vigilant through regular check-ups.
Eighteen years on and a mastectomy later, Ms Vassallo is a vocal campaigner on breast care awareness, eager to encourage young women to examine their breasts themselves and spare themselves the agony she went through.
Two decades ago, breast care awareness was not at the forefront of health campaigns, but nowadays the information was readily available if women wanted to listen and act.
"If breast cancer runs in the family, be extra cautious and do regular check-ups. Girls also need to be taught how to examine themselves from a young age," she said.
Ms Vassallo, who is president of the Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna Malta, yesterday launched the group's campaign at Freedom Square, Valletta.
The Vodafone Malta Foundation is supporting this year's campaign and its chairman Gemma Mifsud Bonnici yesterday presented Ms Vassallo and group patron Mary Fenech Adami with Lm3,000 to help the group get its message across.
Together the women released 1,000 pink balloons into the blue skies to serve as a silent reminder to women out there to start examining their breasts regularly.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Maltese women and it is the main cause of death among Maltese women under the age of 50.
"One of the most important ways to protect a woman's health is for her to become familiar with her breasts so that she notices changes early," Ms Vassallo advised.
"If detected early, breast cancer may be curable. The best way women can ensure that breast cancer is detected in its earliest, most treatable stage is to examine their breasts once a month."
The group, set up in 1989, has 80 members, 90 per cent of whom have had mastectomies or undergone breast cancer treatment.
The purpose of the group is to provide support to women who have breast cancer and to raise awareness.
It supports, encourages and consoles its members in a happy atmosphere at its monthly meetings and organises other activities to ensure the development of a better breast cancer service, in line with the government and non-government organisations.
"We want to forward this message to as many women as possible. Thanks to companies like the Vodafone Malta Foundation and Novartis, we can educate a considerable number of women every year," Ms Vassallo said.
On Thursday, the group is organising a lecture on Europe's battle with breast cancer, which will be addressed by Ingrid Kossler, president of the Europa Donna Coalition and president of the Swedish Breast Organisation.
The lecture will be held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana at 7 p.m. It is open to the public.