Cancer patients in Simeonovgrad, Lyubimets and Madzharovo will get free legal advice and emotional support. The "Zhivot" (Life) Bulgarian Association of People with Oncological and Other Diseases is starting a 12-month project called "The Right to a Dignified Life with Cancer", chairwoman Minka Arabadzhieva told a news conference at the BTA National Press Club in Haskovo.

The project is for people in small and remote places. It aims to tell cancer patients more about their rights, protect them from discrimination, give them legal protection and improve their quality of life. It targets older women, people in small towns and villages, and local officials.

The money comes from the Bulgarian Fund for Women, under its "Values" programme, and from the European Union, under the CERV programme. In the three municipalities, there will be training for cancer patients, local leaders, mediators and others with an interest, as well as an advocacy campaign. The meetings are expected to start in the winter months, once the preparation work ends.

The association has run a similar project with people and local authorities in Topolovgrad, Ivaylovgrad and Stambolovo. Arabadzhieva says the effect there is clear: the mayors took the lead and brought the mayors of small villages into the training.

As an example, she pointed to the association's work with the management of the Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment in Oncology in Haskovo, which has hired a clinical oncopsychologist. "This is an example of how a non-governmental organisation and an institution like the cancer hospital can achieve results together," Arabadzhieva told BTA. She said the Haskovo hospital is one of the few in Bulgaria with such a specialist. After meetings and talks with the hospital management, she said, concrete action followed, not just good wishes. The clinical oncopsychologist is a certified specialist who helps patients and volunteers for the "Zhivot" association.

The association hopes to reach all municipalities in Haskovo region with new projects, if it can.

In October, which is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the association will again offer free check-ups.