The implementation of ‘gynae-oncology brachytherapy’ will soon be carried out in Malta meaning that Cervical Cancer Patients will not need to travel to London to get the necessary treatment. This will be possible with funds raised during the Nationwide Pink October-Movember Campaign 2022.
Chair of The Marigold Foundation and Leader of the campaign Michelle Muscat said this during a press conference during which part of the funds collected were today donated to Cancer NGO’s and the rest used to bring to Malta this state of the art Canon Aplio diagnostic ultrasound system.
This equipment is instrumental in providing this service locally. Currently, brachytherapy is not carried out in Malta. All patients who need this treatment need to travel to London which provides its own challenges. The team at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre are currently working with the International Atomic Energy Agency to bring brachytherapy to Malta in the next few months so that our patients no longer need to travel to the U.K.
Dr. Kristelle Von Brockdorff from SAMOC hospital said that the oncology team are looking forward to this new challenge which would also mean less stress and trauma for patients since they do not need to travel and less expenses incurred by the state, the Community chest fund and the patient himself.
As is customary, on the eve of World Cancer Day, the Pink October Movember Campaign Team presented the funds collected which this year totalled €75k.
Europa Donna Malta, Action for Breast Cancer, Hospice Malta, Puttinu Cares , Karl Vella Foundation, Smiling with Jerome Foundation and Movember Europe were all presented with donations.
Dr. Danika Marmara, Director of the Cancer Care Pathways Directorate stressed the importance of such educational campaigns making the public more aware and better supported and encouraged the continuation of these nationwide campaigns that are educating the public.
Muscat thanked all the team players including the consultant oncologists, doctors, nurses, health care professionals, survivors, volunteers and sponsors whose tireless works and efforts make this campaign a success. She praised the hard work of all the volunteers amongst them cancer survivors who throughout the months of October and November used their time and energy to advocate for this cause.
Muscat said that facing fear of checking oneself and being proactive in maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be maintained all year through and not just during the campaign months.
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