The breast cancer “prevention train” returns in October. Setting off is the thirteenth edition of ‘Frecciarosa’, an initiative of Fondazione IncontraDonna and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane with the patronage of the Ministry of Health and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, with the participation of the scientific society AIOM (the Italian Association of Medical Oncology), organisations and institutions.
This edition was also augmented by a prestigious award, the Medal of the President of the Republic commending the high social and national value of the initiative.
Until 31 October – the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – doctors and volunteers will be aboard high-speed InterCity and regional trains to reach a broad and diverse audience.
The aim is to carry out consultations on board the trains, whilst in the FrecciaLounge at Roma Termini and Milano Centrale, an information desk manned by volunteers shall provide information on the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.
For the first time, Frecciarosa also includes activities under the patronage of the Lazio Region. From 19 to 21 October, an awareness-raising campaign dedicated to three screenings (mammography, pap-test, faecal occult blood) will take place at the Ostiense Station. Another new feature of the 2023 edition is the distribution of the Vaccination Disc, an easy-to-consult tool for promoting a culture of vaccination at all ages. The distribution on board the train of the Health Guide remains a strong point, with the guide containing information about the best lifestyles for cancer prevention. This year, the booklet has been translated into English and is available on the frecciarosa.it website, where there will also be teleconsultations two days a week for the entire month.
*Video only in italian language
The 2022 edition saw 25,000 passengers involved, 15,000 Health Guides distributed and more than 1,000 services conducted on board trains. The aim of the project is to promote the prevention of breast cancer – the most common cancer in Italy – through a series of initiatives.