Research on preventing, treating and curing cancer undertaken at the University of Malta is prolific: from Colloquiums on Rare Diseases, to characterising a novel bioactive agent for cancer and leukaemia, establishing a partnership with a Polish University for joint research on cancer, Mapping the Immune Landscape in Pituitary Tumours, and Identifying molecular profiling to assist in classifying colorectal tumours, our very capable researchers are doing that all, and much more.
There is also another element that contributes significantly to the fight against cancer, and that is the reduction of cancer risk through proper, informative awareness-raising.
The role of the is to facilitate the collaboration between cancer leagues throughout Europe, influence EU policies and most importantly, promote cancer prevention for all those living in Europe.
It also brings together a young element to this Joint Action – through the recruitment of Youth Ambassadors, or students and young professionals from across he continent who make creative and enterprising actions to promote cancer preventions in their own country.
Malta’s Youth Ambassador, who is one of the latest to join the group, is none other than , a University of Malta student who is currently studying for a Masters’ Degree in Applied Biomedical Sciences. Her UM journey started in 2016 when she read for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry.
- What has motivated you to go down this path, professionally?
Science has never ceased to amaze me. As I began to gain a deeper understanding about science, I started to become more aware of the impact and importance of genetics and genomics, especially for medicine such as for diagnosis of a wide variety of diseases such as cancer. This is in fact what motivated me to continue my studies at Masters level in Applied Biomedical Science within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Once I finish this next chapter in my studies next year, I would love to continue my studies and research on this discipline at a PhD level.
- What is your current research area of focus?
It’s cancer genetics. I’m currently working on a project titled 'Differential gene expression analysis of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours’ which aims to determine how gene expression in immune system genes differs between two main subtypes of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours, as well as how this differs on comparison to normal pituitary tissue. Throughout this project, I have been working with a multidisciplinary team of individuals including my supervisors Dr David Saliba and Prof. Josanne Vassallo from the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Medicine & Surgery, respectively; Dr Jean-Paul Ebejer from the Center for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking; Dr Robert Formosa; and Dr Nikolai Pace from the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery. This project is also being funded by the Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation Malta (ECRFM). It has been a wonderful experience working on this project with such a talented team of individuals as it has introduced me to so many opportunities, I have learnt a wide variety of skills which are sure to help me throughout my future prospects, and it has helped me grow not only as a researcher, but also as a person.
- What can you tell us about the cancer-related research undertaken by UM?
UM takes an interdisciplinary approach to cancer research, especially through discovery-oriented science.
Its researchers have adopted a multifaceted approach to cancer research including pharmacogenetics, early diagnosis, gender differences in cancer drug therapies, cancer genetics, and stem cell research. Even though this is a good start, it is of utmost importance that further collaboration both at a national and at an international level is done. Additionally, there is a need to foster Malta’s young talent and empower the next generation of researchers to apply knowledge which contributes to cancer research advancement.
- How were you introduced to ECL and how were you chosen for this role?
A member from the ECRFM team contacted me about the opportunity and after reading through the role and what it entails, I knew it was an opportunity I just could not miss out on. The application process involved two main stages. The first stage involved submitting an application consisting of my basic information, questions regarding my motivation for joining this volunteer programme, and how I would raise awareness about the European Code Against Cancer and the challenges one might encounter in doing so. A week or so after I did so I was contacted by two of the current ECL Youth Ambassadors who informed me that I had been shortlisted for the position and was required to attend an interview with them. Afterwards, a few days after my interview, I was contacted by the Youth Ambassadors Coordinator, Ms Simina Peterfi who informed me that I have been accepted to be a Youth Ambassador. It was an incredible feeling and an honour to be accepted for such a role and I am excited for what is to come!
- How are you communicating with ECL ambassadors from other countries?
We had our first general meeting on 7 May, as a welcome to all new Youth Ambassadors. We have also been introduced to numerous media through which we can communicate. We have a Facebook group called ‘’, a Whatsapp group, communication via our respective working groups and a buddy system which pairs a new YA with one who has experience.
- What are the biggest challenges in getting members of the public to change their behaviour to reduce cancer risk?
The main challenges would be: (1) lack of motivation and support – individuals without a strong support system are likely to revert back to their previous lifestyle, (2) time and cost inefficiency – junk food costs less than healthy meals, (3) lack of education – about the materials, food additives and items which are proven to be common carcinogens, (4) media influence – especially by large corporate chains, and (5) intrapersonal barriers such as emotions, taste preferences and skills that come into play when choosing a healthy lifestyle.
The 12 recommendations of the ECAC are based on the fact that cancer burden can be reduced by up to one half if scientific knowledge on causes of cancer could be translated into successful prevention.
The 12 recommendations are: ‘Do not smoke or use any form of tobacco’; ‘Avoid passive smoking’; ‘Maintain a healthy body weight’; ‘Be physically active’; ‘Eat a healthy diet’; ‘Limit alcohol intake’; ‘Avoid excessive exposure to sun and ultraviolet radiation’; ‘Avoid cancer-causing substances in the workplace’; ‘Reduce exposure to high radon levels’; ‘Favour breastfeeding if possible, and limit the use of hormone replacement therapy’; ‘Vaccinate newborn babies against hepatitis B and girls against the human papilloma virus’; and ‘Take part in organised cancer screening programs for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer’.
- As one of the ECL ambassadors, how are you planning on raising awareness on cancer prevention?
I would like to first spend some time getting more knowledgeable about the current research, so I’m informed enough to raise awareness. I would surely attempt to disseminate the message on a small scale through sharing readily available promotional material especially through social media and advertising which is the main way of reaching both a national and international audience. I would also be open to presenting research and information at bigger events, conferences, and workshops. I also aim to be more active in current national events taking place such as cancer charity fun runs, and would love the opportunity to be able to plan novel national events to reach wider audiences, especially the younger generation, such as an annual activity day, and also introduce Youth Clubs to help spread more awareness.
