Hundreds of people walked from Floriana to Sliema to raise awareness of breast cancer yesterday. Kim Dalli met some participants.
Colourful T-shirts were specially designed by breast surgeon Joe Debono.Two-time breast cancer survivor Anna Zammit raised her hand to her head and gingerly touched her bald scalp.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever dared leave the house without wearing my wig,” the 55-year-old admitted.
“But my daughter was very encouraging, so I finally plucked up the courage to come here without it. And it’s a liberating feeling.”
Ms Zammit was one of hundreds who assembled at The Mall, Floriana, yesterday morning to participate in the fifth annual awareness walk organised by breast care support group Europa Donna Malta.
Sporting T-shirts specially designed by breast surgeon Joe Debono, featuring a colourful illustration of a united crowd with the words ‘Walk the Pink Road Together’, people of all ages walked from Floriana to Sliema Ferries in an expression of solidarity with women receiving treatment for breast cancer.
The walk also aimed to promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle that may help prevent breast cancer.
The Prime Minister’s wife, Michelle Muscat, the Dutch Ambassador and the Deputy British High Commissioner also attended.
“It’s shattering when you’re stricken with breast cancer, especially if you have children,” Ms Zammit, a mother of two, said.
“But you have to fight it, you have to be strong.”
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She had noticed a lump in her right breast, though there was no pain.
I told myself that I will kill it and not let it kill me. And that frame of mind is vital
A lumpectomy (which had a small part of her breast removed) was held followed by radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. She was given the all-clear but, seven years later, the condition returned.
“Last May, I went for one of my regular check-ups. I was worried because I had noticed another lump in my right breast.
“The doctors had initially thought it was scar tissue but it turned out to be cancer.”
This time, Ms Zammit had six sessions of chemotherapy and a mastectomy.
“Check yourself regularly and don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice any changes,” she said.
“It could be nothing and it could be everything.”
Breast cancer survivor Carmen Hassanien, 36, echoed Ms Zammit’s warning.
“Regular self-checking is vital. In February last year, I had felt a lump. It turned out to be nothing and the doctors told me: ‘We’ll see you in a year-and-a-half’s time’.”
But Ms Hassanien soon felt another lump and returned to the clinic in September.
This time, it was an aggressive form of breast cancer.
“I was very shocked. I never thought it would happen to me, especially since I’m still young.
“But I told myself that I will kill it and not let it kill me. And that frame of mind is vital. You can’t allow yourself to be consumed by self-pity because it will only make things worse.
“Cancer is not the end of the world. It’s the start of a battle that you have to take up and fight.”
Patients and their loved ones need not fight alone. Non-governmental organisations such as Europa Donna are there to provide the necessary support.
“We found that many patients are faced with a lack of information,” PR officer Sandy Muscat said. “The hospitals do guide their patients and provide them with medical support but one needs emotional support too.
“Family members also need support and guidance. We even provide information regarding wigs, how chemotherapy and radiology work and on planning follow-up visits.
“We are a community ready to help all those who have been struck in some way or another by breast cancer.”
For further information, contact Europa Donna Malta’s helpline on 2148 2602.
Warning signs
Most women are able to check for breast lumps that can signal cancer, but other signs may be even earlier clues. Know what to look for:
Change in how the breast feels – nipple tenderness, change in skin texture and thickening in or near the breast or underarm area.
Change in appearance – swelling or shrinkage of the breast, recent asymmetry, dimpling, inverted nipples and scaly, red skin of the breast, areola or nipple that becomes swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange.
Nipple discharge – particularly clear or bloody discharge.