October is the month dedicated worldwide to Breast Cancer Health Care. Europa Donna (Malta) is a leading NGO in Malta which is affiliated to the European Coalition that comprises 47 countries. The aims of the organisation are to promote awareness, advocate for patients, as well as contributing to research projects at the University of Malta. We offer direct individual help by providing one-to-one peer support and counselling sessions to patients and families who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Survival rates of breast cancer are high, especially if diagnosed early, so we urge all women to accept the breast screening invitation by the screening unit. Many may not know but a small percentage of men are also diagnosed with breast cancer.

In order to raise awareness, the committee is active in giving talks regularly at local councils and businesses about self-examination and signs and symptoms that might need to be looked into by a doctor.

While the committee works all the year round, October is the month when several events are organised for the general public in order to encourage self-care.

Race for the Cure is one of these events in which people are invited to walk/run 5km along the coast at Marsascala. This is a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together with members of the committee, survivors and friends in the morning of Sunday, 6 October.

Breast Health Care Day is taking place again in Piazza San Gorg Valletta this year on 19 October between 9am and 1.30pm. Several organisations have been invited to participate and interact with the public.

Being in contact with professionals is an important area for ED in order to remain up to date on new developments regarding medication and procedures that are continually improving. For the last 26 years the Hilda Schembri Memorial lecture, aimed at professionals, survivors and families, has been organised. This year it is being held again at the Valletta Campus of the University of Malta on 31 October with the topic, Accepting the new me: Reconstruction or not, by leading surgeons.

Details for these events, other information and support can be found on their Facebook page and website.

 

Vivien Cassar is secretary Europa Donna Malta

 

Europa Donna Malta are full members of Malta Health Network www.maltahealthnetwork.org