Prevention is always better than cure, and this seems to be a maxim that the Health Department has made its own in recent months.

We pride ourselves of having health services that are among the best in Europe, and every effort should be made to keep up the trend. We’re not perfect, since there are still complaints about waiting time at the emergency department (but then, whose fault is it really, when one considers that so many people go there without needing to) and the lack of beds (but then, nobody is kept in hospital for an extra day unless it is needed).

But, at the same time, the emphasis that is being made on trying to prevent diseases and illnesses is to be commended. Prevention through a healthier lifestyle means that people will live a more qualitative life and, at the same time, the costs on medical treatment will be reduced.

In October 2009, the government introduced a national programme for breast screening, which has had its fair share of positive results. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances that it can be overcome.

Last Tuesday, the government announced its plans to introduce two other organised screening programmes. These concern other cancer conditions – that of the cervix and of the large bowel.

Cervical cancer is, after breast cancer, the second most common cancer among women. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death. The government has therefore decided to focus on these two particular conditions. Just as it has worked on beast screening, it is hoped that early detection could lead to cure or, at least, better treatment.

An investment in prevention is the best way to cut down on costs for treatment.

In his address during the launch, Health Minister Joe Cassar said that the national cancer plan sets out objectives and measures that need to be put in place to bring about the desired developments and improvements in the sector. The plan aims to empower people to live a healthier lifestyle.

And this is the crux of the issue. If people eat healthy food and carry out the necessary physical exercises to keep fitter, then they are bound to need less medical treatment, both in the short- and the long-term. Of course, the powers that be need to do their bit too, because a healthy lifestyle also comes about with cleaner air and a better environment, which is more of a collective effort rather than an individual one.