I write in response to the letter by Albert Cilia-Vincenti on the topic of breast screening.

The writer seems to assume that a screening programme is something that one should apply for. How else would a private company have your details (unless you are a private patient there already?)

A free NHS screening programme would be available to all, regardless of ability to pay. It would also be open for screening for men at risk of this most terrible disease. Patients attaining a certain age would be invited to make an appointment to attend for tests - namely mammograms and ultrasounds.

These tests on a bi-annual basis have been shown to save lives. Initially expensive to set up, but in the long run paying for itself. Treatment for both women and men with breast cancer is expensive in more ways than one.

The impact on the family, the cost to the education of children, the spouse's work record, the medication, the surgery, the staff costs, theatre time - the list goes on.

As for cervical screening - this too is important. I have no knowledge of the screening programme available on the NHS in Malta, but would guess that it is not by invitation on a regular basis. If women are invited to attend for screening, I do not understand why anyone would pay to undergo such an invasive test that can be done for free.