The European Parliament backed an initiative taken by Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli alongside a number of other MEPs and Europa Donna on breast cancer screening in the EU. Europa Donna, which has branches in 47 different countries, is a voluntary and independent organization that promotes breast cancer awareness.

The written declaration, of which Miriam Dalli is an original signatory, will now be sent to the European Commission and to the Council of the European Union which are bound to give it due consideration also by formulating an official reply. The aim of the written declaration is to secure the provision of preventive services targeting early detection of breast cancer across all of Europe.

The declaration calls for screening in all 28 member states of the European Union and the setting up of multidisciplinary specialist breast units before 2016, in an attempt to keep on decreasing breast cancer mortality rate in the European Union. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death amongst women in the 35 - 59 years age group. A staggering cumulative ammount of 367,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the 28 member states every year, of which 91,000 end up succumbing to this illness.

In line with this initiative Miriam Dalli visited the National Screening Programmes premises in Valletta where she witnessed firsthand the work that is currently being carried out.

During her visit Dr Dalli focused on the imperative need that people do the necessary medical tests. "Each and every one of us knows someone who has been through breast cancer. This is a disease that breaks up families and orphans children. Prevention is the strongest weapon we have and that is exactly why each and every woman who received a referral for breast screening should not hesitate one moment and make sure to undergo the required medical examination," said Miriam Dalli.

"Specialist Breast Units are essential to strengthening the quality of the treatment provided and to help attain a higher effectivity rate. We have put forward this written declaration in order to make sure that by 2016 all women in the EU will be receiving quality care according to the indicated standards," the Maltese MEP said.

Screening Services Department Head Dr Joe Psaila showed MEP Miriam Dalli around the different areas of the Unit. Dr Dalli had the opportunity to meet radiographers, nurses, screening coordinators and other members of the staff. While the centre is mainly focused on the testing and result analysis of Breast screening clients it also runs the back end structure for colo-rectal cancer screening system.

Dr Dalli congratulated the members of the staff for their sterling work. "I know that this work requires love and dedication. The fact that we have 70,000 women who are being given the opportunity to be tested yearly is very positive. I know that this translates itself into a big workload but we need to continue increasing the numbers in order to save more lives," Dalli said.

She referred to the fact that last year 64% of the women invited to attend for an appointment  at the screening unit actually showed up for their test: "Breast cancer is a devastating disease. Its effects, even if one manages to survive the illness, can be traumatic and can also leave a lasting mark on those closest to you. It is only through effective information campaigns, especially on prevention, and by bettering and extending our health services that we can save more lives," Dalli concluded.