On 11 June, a dinner was held at the Intercontinental Hotel with the purpose of officially presenting the purposes of the BREAST CANCER ACTION FUND (BCA Fund). The BCA Fund logo was created by the world-known artist Costas Varotsos. The event was introduced by the Minister of Health and Social Solidarity, Mr. Dimitrios Avramopoulos. During the event, pieces by important Greek artists were put to auction. The auction was successfully conducted by actors Thodoris Atheridisand Zeta Makrypoulia. A concert was then given by the winner of the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest Elena Paparizou andChristos Thiveos, who joined this effort gratuitously.
According to information provided by Oncology and Vascular Surgeon Stavros Georgiannos, M.D., Ph.D. breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer in women in the western world, since 1 out 9 suffers from this disease, and concerns all ages from 20 to 90 years. In Greece, every 2.5 hours one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, while every 6 hours one of them dies of the disease. Timely discovery of the disease leads to excellent prognosis in 80-90% of the cases and could save 25,000 lives every year in Europe. Since only 5-10% of total breast cancer cases are hereditary, all women, irrespective of family history, should have their breast preventively examined at organised Breast Units in a systematic manner. In Greece, however, the percentage of breast cancer discovery at early stages is much lower compared with other European countries where it stands at 60%.
In her speech, the president of the BREAST CANCER ACTION FUND and hostess of the evening Mrs. Aspasia Leventissaid that the purposes of the Fund are humanitarian, social and scientific and that it shall strive to contribute to combating breast cancer. The main target of this effort is to undertake the costs of diagnostic tests and complete treatment of Greek and migrant patients with restricted financial means in hospitals in Greece and abroad and overall the provision of financial and moral support to patients and their families. Moreover, to grant scholarships and awards and financially support scientific protocols. In addition, to organise lectures and conferences and published books and other printed material with informative and educational contents.
The event was introduced by the Minister of Health and Social Solidarity Mr. Dimitrios Avramopoulos. The speakers included famous actress and former Minister of Social Services Mrs. Anna Synodinou, who experienced the mishap of cancer about 10 years ago and overcame the problem thanks to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. During the event, pieces by important Greek artists were put to auction. The auction was successfully conducted by actors Thodoris Atheridis and Zeta Makrypoulia. A concert was then given by the winner of the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest Elena Paparizou and Christos Thiveos, who joined this effort gratuitously.
