“Not just a Pink Ribbon” – Breast Cancer Awareness in October

October is a month where we highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness. Walks, runs and bike rides are organised all over Europe to raise funds for NGO’s, support groups, medical equipment, and cancer research. Schools and workplaces organise breast cancer awareness talks and encourage wearing pink for the day. Breast awareness and the dissemination of accurate information about common symptoms of breast cancer is necessary and highlights the importance of breast screening and regular breast check-ups.

In Malta we have approximately 370 new patients diagnosed with breast cancer every year and over a five-year period our survival rate is around 87% at par with most European countries. We can attribute this to more breast awareness, screening measures and better diagnostic and treatment options for those diagnosed with breast cancer. In Malta, as is the case of Specialised Breast Cancer Units all over Europe and North America patients are treated by specialists in Breast Cancer Care.

Each patient presenting with breast changes including:

• Breast lump
• Nipple inversion
• Skin puckering
• Inflammation of the breast
• Itchiness or dry, flaky nipples
• Nipple discharge

goes through a triple assessment procedure that consists of:

• A breast examination by a Breast Specialist
• Mammogram and ultrasound of the breast
• A breast biopsy

Once there is a diagnosis of breast cancer, surgical and oncological treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs. At Mater Dei, for example a Multidisciplinary Team made up of breast surgeons, oncologists, breast care nurses, radiologists, radiographers, professionals from the screening unit, physiotherapists and pathologists meet weekly to discuss patients’ results and plan treatment pathways.

Breast cancer treatment usually consists of breast surgery and oncological treatment that can include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy

Oncological treatment is once again tailored to the patient’s particular diagnosis and breast tumour characteristics. During treatment, patients are supported further by a team of psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and oncology nurses.

NGO’s including Europa Donna Malta and Action for Breast Cancer Foundation offer counselling services through a professional counsellor. These NGO’s made up of breast cancer survivors give invaluable support to individuals and families facing this illness through listening and sharing their experience.

What measures can we take for prevention and early diagnosis?

Early detection of breast cancer can help in getting immediate treatment and increasing survival rate. So, although it is scary to find a change in the breast, time is of essence, and it is important to get checked by your family doctor. If there is a problem, you will be referred to the Breast Clinic for further investigations. Most women referred to the breast clinic turn out to have benign conditions of the breast like fibroadenoma however being seen by a breast specialist is important to rule out breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK estimates that several breast cancers can be prevented. For example, research indicates that there is an 8% correlation between being overweight and breast cancer and an equal percentage between breast cancer and alcohol consumption. Family history of breast and ovarian cancer can also contribute to the development of breast cancer because of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.

Therefore, limiting the intake of alcohol, being aware of your family history, keeping a healthy weight and having regular breast screening can help reduce the risk of breast cancer diagnosis. Moreover, regularly checking your breasts, speaking up immediately and having a medical check-up if you see a change in the breast can be lifesaving.

Participate in Race for the Cure:

“Race for the Cure® is Europe’s biggest sporting event for women’s health. It helps breast cancer organisations and hospitals to collect funds and raise awareness. With 500,000 new diagnoses and 125,000 people who die of breast cancer in Europe every year, these funds are of vital importance.

In Malta the “Race for the Cure” will be a walk organised by Europa Donna Malta, on the 30^thOctober at 0900am starting from near the LOVE monument in Spinola Bay.

For further information go on https://www.raceforthecure.eu/en/Races/Race/Id/54

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