Life-saving move for mammographers
BREAST CANCER is the most common cancer in Israeli women. Around 4,500 women there are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In five to ten per cent of cases, breast cancer develops as a result of a hereditary predisposition, the most common cause of which is a mutation in one of two genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Such changes are especially common in women of Ashkenazi origin, but they are found among women of all ethnic backgrounds.
The National Mammography Screening Programme was initiated by the Israel Cancer Association more than 20 years ago, and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the HMOs. It ranges from diagnostic radiology screening among women age 50 to 75, for whom mammography once every two years is recommended, through surgical procedures and pathological diagnosis, to monitoring of women diagnosed with malignant tumours. For women over 40 with an increased risk of cancer, annual mammography is recommended.
Breast cancer comprises about onethird of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in all women in Israel. It is most common among women age 50 up — the highest risk is in older age groups and it is usually higher in Jewish and ‘other’ groups, compared to Arab women. However the five-year relative breast cancer survival rates in Israel among women diagnosed from 2007-2011 is one of the highest in OECD countries: 89 per cent in Jewish women; 84 per cent in Arab women.
Thanks to ICA-supported early detection efforts in breast health clinics and mammography mobile units across Israel, more and more women with breast cancer are diagnosed at an early stage with greater chances of recovery.
MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY
The ICA purchased its first mobile mammography unit, ‘Michal’, in 2001, with the aim of increasing screening attendance in the geographical and social peripheries. Since the mobile mammography unit began operating, gaps in attendance rates between various sectors have been significantly narrowed, and the disparities between Jewish and Arab women have been completely eradicated, thanks to the ICA’s efforts.
Due to high demand, an additional unit began operating in 2011. Both were operated by the professional medical staff of Assuta Medical Centre and in 2015, an estimated 30,000 screenings were performed in some 140 towns across Israel. In 2019, about 19,000 screening tests were conducted in social and geographical peripheries. In addition to the encouraging Israelbased statistics reported by the ICA, a WHO survey indicates that Israel leads the European region in mammography compliance rates, while continually bridging the gaps, and ranks among the leading countries in breast cancer cure rates on a global scale.
REGIONAL EARLY DETECTION
The ICA continues to assist in operating regional breast cancer early detection stations. Significant resources are invested in diverse population segments such as Arab society, the new immigrant population, the ultra-Orthodox and more.
NURSE LECTURES
Breast health nurses deliver lectures to the public, on behalf of the ICA, raising awareness of the importance of breast cancer early detection and the significance of healthy lifestyle choices which may reduce the risk of cancer. The lectures are accompanied by a personal story presented by an ICA “Reach to Recovery”® volunteer and distribution of informative material.
A pink ribbon hot air balloon displayed the slogan “Get checked!” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as part of a joint campaign by Estée Lauder and the ICA.
Israel ranks among leaders in breast cancer cure rates’
HEREDITARY CANCER
The Israel Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer conducts research into breast and ovarian cancer genetics, initiated and assisted by the ICA. The “Prevention GENEration” programme initiated by the ICA with support from the consortium and the NCF Foundation raises awareness of the importance of genetic testing in breast cancer and ovarian cancer and helps women obtain a genetics evaluation.
The Friends of the Israel Cancer Association (FICA) in the UK was established in 1962 by the late Suzy Eban. Vered Aaron has been chairing the UK Friends of ICA in London since 1993 along with Marc Traube. Also trustees for many years are Martin Paisner, Lady Homa Alliance and Lesley Khalastchi. https://en.cancer.org.il/