Representatives of the Breast Care Support Group Europa Malta appealed to the general public yesterday to “be breast aware”, as they joined similar groups worldwide to increase breast care awareness.

October is breast care awareness month and the local support group started its campaign with the release of 1,000 pink balloons from Freedom Square in Valletta helped by the group’s patron, Mary Fenech Adami.

Vodafone Malta Foundation is supporting the campaign with a Lm3,000 / EUR6,988 donation.

Jackie Vassallo, president of the support group, said: “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Maltese women and the main cause of death among those under the age of 50.

“One of the most important ways for a woman to protect her health is to become familiar with her breasts so that she will notice any changes in how they look and feel.”

Other representatives of the support group explained that early detection of breast cancer is mostly curable. The best way women can ensure that breast cancer is detected in its earliest, most treatable stage is to practise monthly self-examinations.

The campaign is also supported by Novartis and the next event is a public lecture on Europe’s battle against breast cancer.

The lecture will be held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana on Thursday at 7pm. The guest speaker will be Ingrid Kossler, president of the Europa Donna coalition and of the Swedish Breast Organisation.

Further information on the Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna Malta can be obtained from www.bebreastaware.org.