Environment Minister Leo Brincat said that the international organization for cancer research has, for a long time, mentioned that a sizeable part of cancer cases have direct or indirect ties to environmental factors.

The Minister said this while addressing a conference organized by Action for Breast Cancer, on the occasion of World Cancer Day.

The Minister explained that with more thought, well-being and prudence, a large number of cases can be evaded. "Those who decide to do nothing (referring to the environment and health ties) is not acceptable". He said that if countries better practice environmental management, this would not only strengthen environmental protection, however also peoples health as well as the economy.

He argued that while "we are preparing the post 2015 agenda for development and sustainable development goals in the UN, it is necessary to think and work in an integrated manner".

He gave a number of examples on how the "Maltese Government believes that better environment leads to better health". He mentioned the "national plan for waste management, the power station's change to gas, the shutting down of the power station in Marsa etc".