October Is Breast Health Awareness Month

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is noting that October as Breast Health Awareness Month, noting that there have been 217 reported cases of breast cancer on the island in the past three years.

A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre honours October as Breast Health Awareness Month. Breast cancer still claims the title as the number one diagnosed cancer in women in Bermuda. Look at your mother and daughters, your friends and neighbours: the jarring truth is that 1 in 8 of those women will hear the words, ‘you have breast cancer’ in their lifetime.”

Azuree Williams, certified Lemonista and Event and Programme Manager, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said, “According to the Bermuda National Tumour Registry, over the past three years, we’ve seen 217 reported cases on the island, with almost 70% impacting Black women.

“And while breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Bermuda, the encouraging fact is that there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival when breast cancer is found early.”

The spokesperson said, “Per the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer is close to 100%. For women with stage II breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 93%. Predominately an antagonist to women, many people are surprised to learn that breast cancer can also affect 1% of males here in Bermuda.

“The prevalence of breast cancer in our community paired with the positive outcomes when caught early is why Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is a Global Education Partner with the Know Your Lemons Foundation.

“Through this partnership, the Centre works to improve early detection for breast cancer through innovative and empowering education using fun and colourful ways to help break through the barriers of fear, cost and understanding. A free programme, Know Your Lemons presentations are available to the community and cover everything from risk factors for breast cancer, the 12 symptoms of breast cancer and life-saving tools for early detection.”

Ms. Williams said, “At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, we know that early detection is essential to more than survival, but also to the quality of life, minimising the cost and invasiveness of treatment when found at later stages.

“Based on the local population, our Centre recommends that women at average breast cancer risk begin screening at age 40. Women and men can take precautionary action by consulting with their doctors about what they can do to lower their risk factors and learning about what tests are right for them.”

The spokesperson said, “As a not-for-profit, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre works to remove barriers that may prevent people from seeking scientifically-based information, early detection and treatment for cancer. This is where raising funds to support the Centre is vitally important. By fundraising or making a donation, you help the Centre to provide free breast health education, the Know Your Lemons programme, and subsidise the cost of mammograms, biopsies and radiation therapy for those who may defer care because they cannot afford it.

“The Centre needs your help to raise $200,000 during breast health awareness month. 100% of donations will be applied to our Equal Access Fund and free breast health education through our Know Your Lemons programme.

“There are many ways to get involved this month to support the Centre and raise funds for breast health awareness:

• Register for the BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. For the first time since the pandemic, this year the walk is back in-person at Barr’s Bay Park.

• Buy a raffle. Our annual raffle is back with amazing prize opportunities you won’t want to miss. A $10 donation gives you the chance to win a $10,000 gift voucher from Travel Edge, and much more.

• Book a Know Your Lemons presentation with our certified Lemonista.

• Host your own fundraising event

“Let’s make a splash, not a ripple, and stomp out breast cancer. Together we can work to overcome this disease.

“Visit www.chc.bm to learn more, get ideas, and register.”

#Health

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