The meeting was a follow up to the adoption in April 2006 of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.
During the meeting, experts showed evidence that preventive mammography screening saves lives and improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer: there is a 90% chance of survival if the tumour is detected when it is smaller than 1cm, according to Dr Margit Reichel, co-author of the EU guidelines.
Complementing mammography, self-examination between regular screening could also help.
A new chapter has been added to the EU guidelines which covers psychological support (particularly for women who do not expect to be announced they suffer from a cancer) and the need for communication throughout the screening. Europa Donna has also contributed to another chapter covering specialist breast units. Among the recommendations, Europa Donna stresses that all diagnosis, plans for surgery and treatment must be discussed by a multidisciplinary team at regular meetings.
Chaired by Karin Jons (PES DE), the EPGBC - The European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer - was formed in September 2001 to raise awareness of breast cancer issues in the European Parliament and to ensure that breast cancer is a part of the European health-care agenda. It is a all-party group and membership is open to all MEPs interested in breast cancer issues.
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