Helen Muscat, chairwoman and co-founder of the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation, was recently awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika by President George Abela for her active support and campaigns towards giving breast cancer patients a better quality of life.

Being an active healthcare campaigner, Ms Muscat draws on her experience to help and encourage these patients live a normal life the best way possible.

“I developed breast cancer in 2004 but rather than dampen my spirits, the experience gave me the opportunity to understand other sufferers and encouraged me to help them live through their situation with faith and dignity,” she said.

The foundation acts as a lobby group, complementing other support services for cancer sufferers.

Ms Muscat qualified as a State Registered Nurse and went on to specialise in palliative and breast care nursing. She worked in surgery and obtained the post of Ward Sister at the Kingston General Hospital (Hull).

Upon moving to Malta she helped set up the Malta Hospice Movement and the Breast Care Support Group. She later moved into developing rehabilitation service for the elderly, spending eight years as hospital matron at Zammit Clapp Hospital.

Ms Muscat served as a matron at two private hospitals and served on several committees, including the Monitoring of the National Advisory Committee on Breast Screening. Her career in healthcare spans over 40 years.

Ms Muscat has been battling breast cancer for eight years but despite her relapses she continues to radiate energy and encouragement to those passing through the experience. She is a thorough inspiration to all, says the foundation.