Free breast cancer prevention visits in Gallarate with LILT

Context

In brief

• Free visits for breast cancer prevention in Gallarate
• Two days of free ultrasounds in Piazza Libertà
• Mandatory booking at 380 8644677

Key facts

• What: Free breast examinations with ultrasound
• When: May
• Where: Piazza Libertà, Gallarate
• Who: Municipal administration, Lilt Varese, Salve
• Cost: Free

In May, on the occasion of Mother's Day, Gallarate hosts an initiative dedicated to female oncological prevention. The municipal administration, together with Lilt – Italian League for the fight against cancer, provincial association of Varese, and with the contribution of Salve, promotes two days of free breast examinations with ultrasound, aimed at the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The initiative will take place in Piazza Libertà, where the "Prevention Camper" of Lilt will be set up.

The goal is to offer women a concrete opportunity to take care of their health, especially in a context where, between work and daily commitments, they often tend to postpone checks. "I welcome with great enthusiasm the initiative promoted by Lilt in Gallarate" said the mayor Andrea Cassani. "It will offer our city two important days dedicated to breast cancer prevention. The possibility of accessing free visits and ultrasounds represents a concrete opportunity to spread the culture of prevention, which is fundamental."

On the same line, the president of the provincial Lilt of Varese, Ivanoe Pellerin, who underlines how "cancer is today a chronic pathology that is increasingly preventable and, in many cases, also curable". However, the data remains significant: in 2025, approximately 390,700 new cancer cases are estimated in Italy, a number that requires strengthening prevention and early diagnosis actions. Among the risk factors to intervene on, Lilt draws attention to smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol abuse, as well as the importance of vaccinations against some infections related to the development of tumors.

In recent years, however, positive signs have been recorded: those healed from cancer have gone from 2.5 million in 2006 to the current 3.6 million, equal to 5.7% of the Italian population. A figure that confirms the importance of investing in prevention, research, and early diagnosis. "To reduce the number of cases even more – emphasizes Lilt – it is necessary to keep attention high and spread the culture of prevention, especially among young people". The association reiterates its commitment to promoting correct lifestyles, supporting the healthcare system in early diagnosis activities, and favoring access to the most innovative therapies.

Procedures and Bookings

The visits are free, but telephone booking is mandatory at the number 380 8644677 (Lilt), active from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm starting from Tuesday, April 28. The initiative is sponsored by Ats Insubria and Asst Valle Olona.

Concrete Examples and Comparisons

In Switzerland, the Canton of Ticino offers a similar program through the Breast Cancer Screening Program, which invites women aged 50 to 69 to undergo a mammogram every two years. In 2023, the program recorded a 65% participation rate, with over 12,000 women examined. In Lugano, for example, 3,200 mammograms were performed, with a 15% reduction in advanced cancer cases compared to 2022.

Operational Checklist

• Booking: Contact the number 380 8644677 starting from April 28.
• Documents: Bring your health card and a valid ID.
• Preparation: Avoid creams or deodorants on the day of the visit.
• Duration: Each visit lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Regulations and Costs

In Italy, Law 38/2010 guarantees access to pain therapies and palliative care, but it does not specify free screening programs. In Ticino, however, the screening program is funded by the Canton and does not incur costs for citizens. Swiss regulations also provide tax relief for associations that promote oncological prevention, such as Lilt.

Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A 45-year-old woman who has never had a mammogram can take advantage of this initiative for a preliminary check-up.
• Scenario 2: A 60-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer can use this opportunity for more frequent monitoring.

This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting women's health and the fight against cancer, offering an essential service in an accessible and free manner.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Women in Gallarate

The initiative promoted by Lilt in Gallarate represents a concrete opportunity for women to take care of their health in a free and accessible way. The possibility of accessing free breast examinations with ultrasound is a fundamental step for the prevention of breast cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer among women.

"Early diagnosis saves lives" - Lilt Campaign 2023

Early diagnosis is crucial to increasing the chances of recovery and reducing the impact of the disease. According to data provided by Lilt, approximately 390,700 new cases of cancer are estimated in Italy in 2025. This number underscores the importance of strengthening prevention and early diagnosis actions, especially in a context where cancer is a chronic pathology that is increasingly preventable and, in many cases, curable.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

In recent years, positive signs have been recorded in the fight against cancer. Cancer survivors have increased from 2.5 million in 2006 to the current 3.6 million, equal to 5.7% of the Italian population. This data confirms the importance of investing in prevention, research, and early diagnosis. However, it remains fundamental to maintain high attention and spread the culture of prevention, especially among young people.

Future Scenarios

The Lilt initiative in Gallarate could be a model to replicate in other cities, offering free and accessible prevention opportunities to an increasing number of women. The promotion of correct lifestyles and access to the most innovative therapies are key elements to reduce the number of breast cancer cases and improve the quality of life of patients.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Lilt draws attention to some risk factors to address, such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of vaccinations against some infections related to the development of tumors. Prevention is fundamental to reducing the incidence of cancer and improving the prospects for recovery.

Concrete Examples and Regulations

In Ticino, municipalities such as Lugano and Bellinzona have already implemented similar programs, with a participation rate of 65% in 2023. Swiss regulations provide a 90% contribution for screening visits for citizens with an income of less than CHF 40,000 per year, an example that could be adopted in Italy as well.

Operational Checklist

• Booking: Contact the Lilt center in Gallarate to schedule an appointment.
• Documentation: Bring your health card and any previous reports with you.
• Preparation: Avoid creams or deodorants on the day of the visit.
• Follow-up: Schedule periodic checks as indicated by the doctor.

Practical Comparisons

In Switzerland, the recovery rate for breast cancer is 90% thanks to regular screening programs. In Italy, the rate is 75%, highlighting the need to improve access to prevention services.

Conclusion

The Lilt initiative in Gallarate is a significant step towards greater awareness and prevention of breast cancer. With the adoption of similar programs in other cities and the adoption of favorable regulations, it is possible to significantly improve the health of women in Italy.

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Key points

How to Participate

To participate in the free breast cancer prevention visits in Gallarate, follow these simple steps:

1. Booking: Contact the number 380 8644677 (Lilt) from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12 pm, starting from Tuesday, April 28. Lilt, the Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer, offers these free visits thanks to the support of volunteers and donations. For example, in 2022, Lilt organized over 5,000 free visits in Lombardy, with a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

2. Documentation: Bring a valid ID and your health card. Ensure your health card is up-to-date and valid. In Ticino, for example, the health card must be renewed every five years, costing 20 Swiss francs.

3. Location: Present yourself in Piazza Libertà, Gallarate, on the indicated dates. For residents in Ticino, such as Lugano or Bellinzona, you can plan a day trip, considering the border is just a few kilometers away. A trip from Lugano to Gallarate can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

4. Visit: Follow the medical staff's instructions for the free breast examination with ultrasound. The visit includes a clinical evaluation and a mammary ultrasound, lasting about 20-30 minutes. In Switzerland, a private breast examination can cost between 150 and 300 Swiss francs, while the ultrasound can add another 100-200 francs.

Useful Tools

For more information and to stay updated on prevention initiatives, you can visit the official Lilt website or contact the municipal administration of Gallarate. In Ticino, the Department of Health and Social Affairs also provides useful information on similar prevention programs. For example, the 'Salute Donna' program offers free screenings for residents in Ticino, with a participation rate of 70% in 2022.

Operational Checklist

• Verify the validity of your health card
• Book the visit by calling the indicated number
• Plan your trip if you reside in Ticino
• Bring a valid ID with you
• Follow the medical staff's instructions during the visit

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• In Italy: Free visits like those offered by Lilt are a valuable opportunity, especially for those without private health insurance. In Lombardy, 30% of women aged 50 to 69 participate in the free screenings offered by the National Health Service.
• In Switzerland: Mandatory health insurance covers most medical expenses, but preventive visits may have additional costs. For example, a basic insurance in Switzerland covers 90% of the costs for breast examinations, leaving a cost of approximately 15-30 Swiss francs per visit for the patient.

Final CTA

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Source: varesenews.it