VALLETTA, July 4( Xinhua) -- A total of 87 percent of Maltese women treated for breast cancer are cleared safe from the disease for five years. This is the highest percentage among European Union member states, the Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne said breast cancer is common in Malta with a new case being diagnosed almost on a daily breast. A total of 80,000 mammograms have been performed since the National Breast Screening Services were first launched in 2009, he added.
The age bracket that is more susceptible to breast cancer is between 50 and 69 years.
Fearne said the expense on new medicine aimed at curing cancer has gone up to 4.5 million euros. He pledged that the government will continue to invest in technology to treat cancer.
Speaking about the success of treating and curing breast cancer, Fearne said it gives a message of hope to all Maltese patients, as this result shows a leap in the quality of care afforded to Maltese patients. (one euro currently equals to 1.13 U.S. dollars)
