Breast cancer affects countless women and their families worldwide. While much attention is often placed on the medical side of the disease its sympt- oms, treatment options, and different types it is equally important to highlight survivorship. Beyond surviving treatment, there is a powerful story of thriving after cancer. This journey is shaped by early diagnosis, healthy living, and, perhaps most importantly, a supportive community.
The Shift in Focus
For too long, the conversation surrounding breast cancer has been centered almost exclusively on the disease itself. Yet, as our understanding of this complex illness has grown, so has the recognition that life after cancer deserves equal attention. Survivorship is not only about getting through treatment; it’s about finding ways to live a meaningful, fulfilling life beyond it.
Survivors bring unique perspectives that inspire and guide those newly diagnosed. Their stories remind us that breast cancer is not just a medical condition but also a journey of resilience, hope,
and renewed purpose. By focusing on survivorship, we empower individuals to embrace healthy choices, strengthen communities, and highlight the reality that life after breast cancer can be rewarding.
The Power of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis remains the cornerstone of improving survival rates and reducing the intensity of treatment. Organizations such as Europa Donna Malta play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of early detection. They emphasize the need to know your body, recognize risk factors, and engage in simple but life-saving health checks.
Mammograms, self exams, and regular screenings are critical tools, but awareness and education are equally important. Women are encouraged not just to undergo routine check-ups themselves but to advocate for them among their friends, daughters, and colleagues. And while the majority of cases are diagnosed in women, it is also crucial to remember that men can develop breast cancer too.
The Story of Europa Donna Malta
The roots of breast cancer awareness in Malta can be traced back to 1989 when two breast cancer patients, Hilda Schembri and Laura Bajada, together with nurse Helen Muscat, set up the first Breast
Care Support Group. At the time, breast cancer was rarely discussed openly, and public awareness was limited. The founding members were determined to change that by creating a safe space for support and ensuring that breast cancer became a subject addressed in both healthcare and society.
In 2004, the group became officially affiliated with the European Breast Cancer Coalition, a network spanning 47 countries, amplifying its reach and voice. Today, Europa Donna Malta continues to embody the vision of its founders by supporting patients, educating communities, and advocating for better care and research.
What We Offer Survivors and Patients
Survivorship is about more than medical treatment it’s about physical, emotional, and social well-being. To that end, Europa Donna Malta provides a wide range of services:
∙Professional counselling, including psychosexual and relationship therapy, to support patients and their families through the emotional and relational challenges of breast cancer.
∙Free transport for Gozo patients, ensuring that those needing treatment at Mater Dei Hospital or SAMOC can access it easily when services are unavailable at the Gozo General Hospital.
∙A 24/7 support helpline, offering a listening ear and practical guidance at any hour.
∙Complementary therapies such as free reflexology sessions, helping patients relax and manage the side effects of treatment.
∙Seminars and educational events, which began as early as the late 1980s, aimed at both health professionals and the general public.
∙Outreach talks and presentations in offices, schools, and community spaces to raise awareness and promote early detection.
∙Support for research, working alongside the University of Malta’s Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) to contribute to the advancement of breast cancer studies. These services reflect a holistic approach: treating the person, not just the disease.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Survivorship is also closely tied to lifestyle. Eating well and staying active can significantly enhance recovery and overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—fuels the body and supports healing. The goal is not to follow a rigid plan but to explore nourishing foods that bring both health and joy.
Movement is equally essential. Activities like walking, yoga, or dancing not only strengthenthe body but also provide emotional release and a sense of normalcy. Survivors are encouraged to find activities they genuinely enjoy and, where possible, share them with family and friends. These shared moments build connection and contribute to mental well-being.
Building a Supportive Community
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of survivorship is community. Facing cancer can feel isolating, but no one has to walk the journey alone. By tapping into support networks—whether through friends, family, or dedicated groups survivors can find encouragement and solidarity.
Europa Donna Malta fosters exactly this type of supportive environment, where women and men can share their experiences, ask questions, and celebrate milestones together. Each story shared helps break stigma, fosters empathy, and strengthens the collective fight against breast cancer.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
The narrative of breast cancer survivorship is one of empowerment, resilience, and community. By focusing on early detection, embracing healthy living, and supporting one another, we create a roadmap not only for survival but for thriving.
From its beginnings in 1989 to its current role as part of a pan-European coalition, Europa Donna Malta has stood at the heart of this mission. Its founders recognized early on that breast cancer was not just a medical issue—it was a human one, demanding compassion, education, and advocacy. Today, their legacy continues to inspire countless survivors and families. At Europa Donna Malta, the commitment is clear: to champion the fight against breast cancer while also celebrating the vibrant lives that can flourish after diagnosis. Thriving is not just an option—it’s a promise. With awareness, healthy choices, and unyielding support, we can ensure that every journey after breast cancer is one of hope, strength, and possibility.
Article by, Gertrude Abela
Għaqda Soċjo-Mużikali Anici 