Updated - Adds remarks by Health Minister Chris Fearne below - The Nationalist Party has called for population-based screening for prostrate cancer and for breast cancer treatment to be offered in a specialised unit at Mater Dei Hospital.
In a series of proposals to mark World Cancer Day, the PN noted that some 350 Maltese people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Shadow health minister Stephen Spiteri and MEP Francis Zammit Dimech also proposed population-based screenings for prostate cancer, noting that this is the most common form of cancer in men.
Population-based screenings were mulled by the government in its 2017 national cancer plan, where it was pointed out that that cancer screening programmes had been effective in preventing and diagnosing cervical, breast and colorectal cancers.
Dr Zammit Dimech speaking on Monday with former MP Michael Asciak and shadow minister Stephen Spiteri (right).However, the study had concluded that more scientific evidence was required before procedures for other cancers, including prostate cancer, were cost-effective.
The Nationalist Party, however, insisted that screening for prostate cancer should be offered as part of an organised programme after widespread consultation with professionals such as oncologists, nurses and non-profit organisations such as Puttinu.
The European Association of Urology has also said it is time to look into population-based screening for prostate cancer, Dr Zammit Dimech observed.
The party also called for greater investment in cancer research, pointing out that Malta is third from the last in Europe in the sector.
“Research is key to overcome cancer and our country should do its part as well,” it said.
Government raises outlay on cancer medicines
Health Minister Chris Fearne, speaking about cancer treatment on Monday morning, said that over the past 18 months the number of cancer medicines made available free by the government had increased by eight, at a cost of €8 million per year.
Another medicine could be added to the list shortly to treat patients suffering melanoma.
The minister told a conference organised by the Office of the President that treatment was also continuing to improve. In three types of cancer, 600 patients were being followed on a personal basis.
He said the health authorities' focus, announced in a strategy 18 months ago, was on prevention through healthy eating and diet, early screening, treatment, rehabilitation and research.
A campaign on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles will be launched with local councils in the coming months.