The Malta Independent on Sunday
Paving the way for a cancer-free future
Another World Cancer Day has come and gone, yet so many patients and relatives continue their fight against cancer. February 4th is not only a day for raising cancer awareness, prevention and cure, it goes beyond that.
It represents the need for a holistic approach to cancer eradication within 20 years, an aim shared with my fellow colleagues in the European People’s Party. Europe comprises only one eighth of the total world population, but has around one quarter of the global total of cancer cases with some 3.7 million new patients per year. Although Malta is the smallest EU member state, it does not mean we have less cancer-related figures. Unfortunately, 2,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in Malta and 900 deaths. As a result, it is crucial for Maltese citizens to be aware of what is needed in our fight against this disease.
The positive outcome of several meetings held with Maltese NGOs has led to a set of over 20 crucial proposals, which I believe can be of benefit to present and future cancer patients. If taken seriously, the ambitious target of eliminating cancer within 20 years will become an achievable reality. Together with my colleagues MP Stephen Spiteri and Dr Michael Asciak, representing the Nationalist Party, we availed ourselves of this occasion to communicate the first of the 20 proposals to the public on World Cancer Day. More proposals will be made public in the coming weeks, as we carry on with our consultations with civil society and others affected.
An essential part of early can- cer detection as well as cancer risk identification is the use of population-based screening – a test offered to all individuals in a target group. The European Association of Urology asserts that prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in men. Recent studies reveal that population-based screening yields positive results not only in reducing the mortality rate, but also improves quality of life. The fact that early diagnosis and treatment are found to substantially improve survival rates reinforces the need for seriously considering a wider population-based screening system.
As prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease found in men, the same applies to women and breast cancer. We raise awareness on ‘Pink October’ and speak about the rise of this type of cancer. In Malta, we have 350 cases of breast cancer a year. Meanwhile, thanks to the work of professionals, Malta has a survival rate of 87 per cent, results that are better than that of France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the UK. The unit in Malta has also been certified by the Breast Cancer Network. We want to invest more in this service, catering for patients with breast cancer and offering specialised services in line with the standards laid by the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (Eusoma).
Another proposal is by no means a new revelation; nevertheless, it remains a crucial element in our fight against cancer. I am referring here to the importance of research. It is through research that improved treatments and cures become a reality. The current figures are discouraging since Malta has been placed third from last in research investment. Our government needs to allocate much more funds to research and innovation. We should start by re-introducing post-doc grants for cancer research at the University of Malta and incentivise programmes which tackle those diseases that are greatly affecting Maltese society. Recently, we heard that a Maltese-led cancer drug trial had reached its final phase. We can and we should contribute more in terms of research.
When dealing with cancer, we sometimes tend to steer clear from the psychological impact that cancer has on the patients themselves as well as on relatives. We need to focus on those children who have been battling cancer or have one of their parents going through this trauma. We need to offer psychological support to the most vulnerable in our society and should approach this issue in a holistic way. Such services need to be extended also to Gozo.
Another proposal, which factors in the influence of Maltese society, focuses on local councils. Local councils are at the heart of Maltese society and have the capacity to influence their communities. Our local councils can play a key role in cancer prevention initiatives. Prevention campaigns carried out by local councils will enable awareness throughout society.
When it comes to support and services for cancer patients and their families, NGOs have, over the years, complemented health services, which is why the government ought to increase the active role of cancer NGOs when it comes to policymaking on health policies including those dealing with cancer.
Moving on to the last proposal, I dealt with the need of carrying out a stocktaking exercise of the National Cancer Plan, not least the target set by the government to make all cancer drugs available free of charge by next year. Being diagnosed with cancer in and of itself is hard enough; let us then ensure that our society can be caring enough not to subject patients and their relatives to heavy expenses or having to resort to charity.
We live in an era where cancer does not have to be considered a death sentence. If we work together in a holistic way, cancer can become a disease of the past. The EU has the potential to contribute a lot of value to care of cancer patients and Malta should be at the forefront of that fight. Let us be the force for positive change and aim for a cancer free society.