Video: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Launch
Tara Soares, Executive Director of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre was joined today [Oct 1] by John Wight, BF&M CEO at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment, Jeanne Atherden read the Proclamation, and Patron for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mrs. Fergusson also attended the event.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness around the importance of screening and the early detection of breast cancer.
Awarded the Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence by the American College of Radiology in 2013, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is inviting the community to become PINK Ambassadors by supporting one of the many fundraising events and by talking to the women in their lives about the importance of early detection.
Those wishing to support the cause as PINK Ambassadors can do so by participating in a variety of activities, including:
- October 1, 2014: Launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Opening ceremony at 12.00pm, 46 Point Finger Road. All are welcome to attend.
- October 3, 2014: Wear It PINK Denim Day – Get your organization or school involved by wearing pink or denim and make a donation. To participate, email glandy@chc.bm.
- October 8, 2014: Gorham’s THINK PINK Ladies Night – Shop from 6.30 to 9.00pm for a store-wide savings of 20 percent. $10 donation entry fee.
- October 17, 2014: Annual Friday Fish Fry – Take out or eat in at Christ Church in Warwick from 4.30 through 8.30pm for $20 per dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Keith’s Kitchen, BAA Parking Lot, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, or online at chc.bm.
- October 22, 2014: BF&M Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk [rain date is October 27] – BF&M Health Fair at Barr’s Park begins at 5.00pm, while the walk starts at 6.00pm. The registration fee of $30 can be processed via racedayworld.com, or at BF&M, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre or The Sportseller. Walk packs will be available while supplies last. Schools should participate through School Spirit.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre appreciates the partnerships and ongoing support from the community. Several individuals, groups and companies have come forward and will be hosting events open to the public, which will raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.
“Amongst those are North Village Community Club, who will wear pink at all games for the entire month as a show of support for this cause, and TKHair, who will hold a cut-a-thon on October 13 with all proceeds going to the cause. Another popular and well supported fundraiser is Girls Night In where girlfriends get together and host an event to fundraise and celebrate friendship. To register for Girls Night In, visit chc.bm.”
Tara Soares, Executive Director of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre said, “Since its inception 18 years ago, we have seen the community rally behind this important cause. Breast cancer has impacted many lives in Bermuda, directly or indirectly, and we appreciate the community support as we continue our fight against this disease.”
The proclamation read by the Minister follows below:
Every October, we reaffirm our commitment to reduce the affliction of breast cancer. After lung cancer, breast cancer accounts for the majority of deaths in women worldwide. Today we stand in solidarity with those fighting for their lives, and remember those who have lost their lives to this disease.
Each day, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is a leading advocate,and partner in the battle against cancer. Awarded the Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence by the American College of Radiology in 2013, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is committed to education and the early detection of breast cancer through state-of-the-art digital mammography available at their facility.
Digital Mammography is the best available method of detecting most breast cancers long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. In addition, along with the American Cancer Society, they recommend:
- Clinical breast exams every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women aged 40 and over
- Regular self-checks for women to familiarise themselves with what is normal and to promptly report any change to their health care provider
- Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health
Breast cancer continues to affect 1 in 8 women. While the cause of breast cancer is still unknown, we do know that some women are more at risk than others. Understanding these risks, such as family history, are important, and that early detection can save lives.
According to The Bermuda National Tumour Registry, 69 cases of diagnosed breast cancer were reported for 2013. Breast cancer continues to be the principal cause of cancer for women in Bermuda. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all mothers, sisters, aunts, wives and friends to protect their health and longevity from breast cancer.
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is committed to equal opportunity and access, and therefore provides free mammograms, for women who do not have health insurance, not only during the month of October but throughout the year, as part of their Equal Access Fund. I urge all women over the age of 40 to make an appointment today.
I, the Hon. Jeanne Atherden, JP MP, hereby proclaim the month of October 2014 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bermuda this 1st day of October, 2014.
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