All around the world a special effort was made throughout the month of October to maximise breast cancer awareness. The idea is to help focus more attention on the first signs of the disease and on preventive measures.
Breast cancer is the most common type of female cancer, second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death (by cancer) in women. Although the vast majority of patients are women, men should not be forgotten because they too have specific needs such as the right to access personalised care and a care pathway to follow.
In Malta, a national breast cancer screening programme commenced in October 2009. Women aged 50-60 years are invited for screening every three years. The first three-year cycle was completed by 2012 and the second cycle is under way.
Every week, between 250 and 300 women receive an invitation to attend for mammography screening. If the necessary resources become available, the screening age group can be extended to the full range as recommended by European guidelines.
Breast cancer awareness is one of the most important aspects in the holistic approach towards treating and fighting the disease. Education on recognition of breast cancer signs and symptoms will hopefully lead to the early detection of the condition, timely treatment and higher long-term survival rates.
Women should be breast aware, commencing with self-breast examination on a monthly basis. Moreover, it is equally important to understand risk factors of breast cancer, which include age and family history. It is unfortunate that not enough women worldwide are aware of the importance of lifestyle choices for their breast health and associated risk factors, such as excess alcohol, smoking and obesity.
A growing body of evidence points to the link between healthy lifestyle choices and a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, being active, eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding weight gain are three simple but crucial lifestyle choices that can positively impact the future of a woman’s breast health.
Air quality has also been linked to a number of health problems and may have significant negative effects on our health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified outdoor air pollution as a cancer-causing agent (carcinogen). A recent groundbreaking study by top researchers in the field suggests that air pollution may place women at risk of breast cancer. Their findings show that the incidence of breast cancer was higher in areas with elevated air pollution levels.
Air pollution remains a detrimental public health problem. For this reason, I implore the authorities to take strong measures aimed at the better regulation of air quality. In fact, such action requires leadership and action at both national and international levels. Hence, we need to introduce measures to reduce air pollution to levels within EU limits to safeguard our population’s health and well-being. I will do all I can to help reach these objectives, especially through my work in the ENVI committee, which discusses and debates issues related to public health and the environment.
Whatever your underlying risk of breast cancer is, a healthy lifestyle and being breast aware are crucial choices
The Maltese government and the Health Ministry are committed to the needs of the Maltese population through the development of a new oncology centre, cancer care initiatives and the development of the newly-set up Cancer Care Pathways Directorate. It will focus on a holistic patient pathway ranging from screening outcomes right through treatment and survivorship with the vision of improving patient actualities and outcomes of care across the cancer journey.
We should not be afraid of mentioning or dealing with the word ‘cancer’. Failing to meet the needs of survivors will prevent us from delivering improved outcomes that must be central to the government’s focus in terms of the national health system and social care.
By commissioning and providing the right supportive care, based on needs and not solely on diagnosis, we can improve survival rates, quality of life and patients’ overall experience. This must be achieved in a sustainable and cost-effective manner to ensure the service is provided to future generations.
Evidence must be compiled from breast cancer survivors to record the services they used. This will lead Malta to improve its cancer survival rates while ensuring that all patients are offered a package that includes advice, educational information, support and continuity of care. Yet, this will only happen if the Health Ministry together with all relevant entities and organisations work together to better understand patients’ needs to improve outcomes and personalised care.
Studies from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have shown that a third of all (about 165,000 each year) breast cancer cases in Europe can be prevented. Therefore, breast cancer can be defeated.
We are in duty bound to empower the Maltese population to make healthy lifestyle choices since this is a necessity for improved breast health. No matter what your underlying risk of breast cancer is, a healthy lifestyle and being breast aware are crucial choices.
Though October has passed, we must choose to fight this disease and work on its prevention every single day of the year. So, please, remember to check yourself and always get a second opinion.
Miriam Dalli is a Labour MEP