45 cancer cases found in early stages in Breast Screening Programme’s first year

The press conference was held on the first anniversary of the opening of the breast screening centre in Valletta. Cassar welcomed the fact that 68.8 per cent of women aged between 50 and 60 who had been invited for the screening had turned up.

Speaking at a press conference, Cassar said that 7,075 underwent mammogram in past year, as 687 were recalled for further.

Flanked by the centre's directors Dr Nadine Delicata and Joe Psaila, as well as Catherine Gonzi who was present during the media address, Cassar added that while the breast screening programme has been extended also to Gozo, a second mammography machine will be purchased to increase the screening rate in Malta.

He said that of the 7,075 who underwent the mammogram, 687 were recalled for further investigation. 45 women were found to have early stages of cancer, with a big possibility of recovery.

Cassar had considerable words of praise for the personnel involved for the high quality of service which, he said, included the possibility of family doctors receiving the mammogram results in electronic format.

Cassar also thanked NGOs who are active in this sector, particularly Action for Breast Cancer Foundation and the Breast Care Support Group.