Since 2014, The Marigold Foundation has been offering valuable support to thousands across the Maltese islands through awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts and on-the-ground successes and this year is no different.
Spearheaded by The Marigold Foundation, the Pnk Oct_Mov ’21 Campaign stretches over 2 months and urges individuals to rise against their fear of getting checked for cancer and openly address these common health problems. The campaign aims to educate the public on the need to self check, regularly screening so as to facilitate early diagnosis. Whilst promoting better overall healthy attitudes and wellness, it maximises therapeutic opportunities and health education. Pnk Oct_Mov supports patients battling a cancer challenge and also champions other NGOs that support patients, develop ideas and new approaches. The Campaign also funds ongoing research at the University of Malta.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women all over the world, with around 300 women in Malta diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Healthy lifestyle choices such as balanced nutritious diets, regular physical activity and avoiding alcohol and tobacco are recommended to lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Being aware of what to feel and look for as well as reporting any changes to medical professionals is recommended. Signs can include lumps or hard knots, dimples, areas of thickened skin and nipple discharge.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that are similar to other more common and less serious conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose early. Symptoms include long-lasting bloated or swollen tummy, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, pain in the lower tummy area or back and passing urine more often and urgently than usual. Other symptoms include changes in bowel habits, dramatic weight changes and unexplained or extreme tiredness (fatigue). Regular gynae reviews and medical advice are recommended if symptoms persist.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. Symptoms include heavier periods than usual, vaginal bleeding between periods, vaginal bleeding after sex, vaginal bleeding after the menopause as well as smelly vaginal discharge, urine infections that keep coming back and pain in the lower tummy or back. Yearly smear tests for older adults and regular smears for young ladies are recommended. Young teenagers should take up the free cervical cancer vaccine too!
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men with about 210 being diagnosed per year. The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age and not everyone experiences symptoms. If one has a family history, is aged over 50, is a heavy smoker or experiences a sudden worsening in passing urine, a prostate check is highly recommended. One should note that most symptoms men experience with the urine stream are NOT due to prostate cancer but due to a normal process of prostate growth.
Testicular Cancer
Cancer of the testes usually affects men between 15 and 49 years. At the same time each month, check for any change in the normal look or feel of your testicles and look for swelling or lumps, change in weight, shape or size and feelings of pain. One can check by having a warm shower, rolling out and checking for lumps.
For more information about this campaign you may visit their Facebook or Instagram or donate:
About The Marigold Foundation
Launched in 2014 and supported by the Bank of Valletta (BOV), The Marigold Foundation offers valuable support wherever it is needed. It is both voluntary and non-profit making.
The Marigold Foundation works with other NGOs to raise awareness about issues and causes in our community. For more information about their work and to support the causes you may visit their Facebook or Instagram or donate:
Call
51702052 – €15
51802053 – €25
SMS
50619238 – €11.65
IBAN
MT59VALL22013000000040023572180
BOV Mobile Pay
99912373 – up to €500
Payable by cheque
PNK OCT MOV ’21
58, Zachary Street
Valletta, Malta
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