The Canon Aplio diagnostic ultrasound system equipment instrumental in providing brachytherapy locally was presented today to Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre by The Marigold Foundation and The Pink October Movember Team.
Currently, brachytherapy is not carried out in Malta. All patients who need this treatment need to travel to London which provides its own challenges. With this therapy carried out in our country, future patients will be saved the anxiety and hassle of traveling abroad for treatment thus also saving state money, Malta Community Chest Fund and Puttinu Cares funds apart from saving the patient from having to leave home, family and work.
The oncology team at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre are currently collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency on brachytherapy training which now with this system in place means that our patients will in the coming months no longer need to travel to the UK for this purpose.
The Chairperson of Marigold, Michelle Muscat said that it is of great satisfaction seeing this project moving ahead and with funds collected from the public in general this will be a new reality for Maltese cervical cancer patients. Michelle Muscat thanked the general public, sponsors and the team of Pink October Movember at The Marigold Foundation for their dedication against all odds for their annual engaging educational campaigns which have seen various national health projects being implemented to help patients get better treatment and support along the years, apart from educating and empowering the general public to be aware of their bodies and take necessary actions.
The event was addressed by Ms. Celia Falzon CEO of Mater Dei, Dr Nick Refalo Clinical Chair of SAMOC, Dr Kristel Von Brockdorff Consultant Oncologist and Dr Robert Xuereb cardiologist and Board member of The Marigold Foundation. Speaking in one voice, they all stressed the importance of this Campaign in raising awareness and also for providing much needed projects to help patients regain their health and well being after cancer.
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