The Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture by the Breast Care Support Group in Gozo

The Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture by the Breast Care Support Group in Gozo was held last Saturday, at the Ministry for Gozo. The lecture, entitled "Breast Cancer - Present & Future" was aimed at raising awareness and informing members of the Breast Care Support Group, as well as the general public, about the present treatment options and support systems available to breast cancer patients and the future hopes and challenges in breast cancer care.

In her opening speech, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, thanked the Breast Cancer Support Group for their commitment towards helping breast cancer patients. The Minister emphasised the fact that effective cancer treatment has to deal with both the medical and psychological aspects of the human being, and that medical treatment has to be complemented by psychological support for the patient and her family.

Organsations such as the Breast Care Support Group are very important in providing this ongoing support, since breast cancer patients do not recover from their trauma on being discharged from hospital. The Hon. Minister concluded by saying that the Group's support is proof that our society still holds dear values of solidarity, mutual support and understanding.

The seminar was also addressed by Mrs Helen Muscat and Ms Jackie Vassallo from the Breast Care Support Group, Dr Malcolm Crockford, Radiologist, Prof. Albert Cilia Vincenti, Pathologist, Mr Charles Swain, Consultant Surgeon and Dr Stephen Brincat, Oncologist.

Mrs. Adriana Camilleri from the Breast Care Support Group (Gozo) also addressed the seminar. The Breast Care Support Group holds meetings in Gozo on the first Wednesday of every month at "Cana Movement" in Victoria.