Breast cancer survivors donate equipment to Mater Dei’s breast clinic

The Action for Breast Cancer Foundation has donated equipment to the breast clinic at Mater Dei Hospital and also donated a special gift for women who need prosthesis following mastectomy.

ACBF chairperson and breast cancer survivor Helen Muscat said that the foundation will continue to help women throughout their journey, from beginning to end.

"We want to help women in their journey. We are on that journey ourselves. We know that it can be difficult and there are several hiccups on the way. But I feel honoured and happy to be able to help out," Muscat said.

The foundation donated equipment for the collection of tissue samples from the breasts. The equipment is very similar to a gun, with a long hollow needle.

Surgeon Gordon Caruana Dingli explained that the breast is first numbed and then tissue samples are extracted and sent to the lab for results.

"The process is highly effective and it doesn't hurt," Caruana Dingli said.

The ABCF also donated a micro-pigmentation machine, used to tattoo the areola when a patient's breast is removed. Caruana Dingli explained that the nipple is usually reconstructed from the skin.

When women undergo the complete removal of their breast, for some time they may need to wear an external prosthesis. For such cases, women can wear special bras where the prosthesis can be inserted inside the bra.

The foundation has donated the clinic a number of these bras to be given to women who undergo mastectomy. According to the health department, 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo mastectomy.

Thanking the foundation for its donation, Health Minister Joe Cassar said that since 2009, 117 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. "Thanks to the breast screening programme, we managed to intervene early and saved their lives," Cassar said.

He added the breast cancer foundation has been very active is starting discussions, which have led to more action in prevention.

"It is a noble act to help strangers. The foundation is an example of action and its members are an example of patients in action for others," the health minister said, adding that he was very proud to be standing next to the members of the foundation.