Joining the country-wide fray of organisations generating awareness on breast cancer in October, BNF Bank launched a ‘Take Action Today’ campaign for preventive action. The bank pushed messages among its team and in public that promoted taking deterrents and risk-reducing measures which can decrease the peril of disease.
Perhaps the most significant action the bank took is that of offering free mammograms to all its female employees in the risk age group.
“Overcoming dread and fear is one of the challenges women need to take head on in order to get tested,” said Alison Grech, senior coodinator of human resources at BNF Bank.
“Taking this cue, the bank offered free mammography exams to those team members who will directly benefit from getting tested, hoping this will urge them to check their health on a regular basis. Early detection is key to successfully battling the disease, increasing the survival rate to 98 per cent.”
BNF Bank engaged in a month of action using its own communications channels and retail network to remind people of the dangers of breast disease and elicit action. The bank teamed up with Europa Donna Malta to involve employees in various activities, including wearing pink ribbon pins, attending an informative lecture on breast cancer survival with perspectives from healthcare professions and patients, and donating to the organisation via the monthly casual Friday activity. Team members also enjoyed organic green tea in pocket-flyers, as a reminder to eat and drink well, and stay healthy.
Sharon Cassar Laudi from Europa Donna Malta, the local breast cancer support group, thanked BNF team members for the donation and for their participation, saying it was heartening to see an increasing number of tangible actions that go beyond wearing pink.
“Every year, Pink October activities in Malta become more inventive and action-targeting. We hope the awareness generated this month will translate into action throughout the year.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Malta with around 350 new cases every year.