With breast cancer still ranking as the number one diagnosed cancer in women in Bermuda, the need for awareness and early detection remains critical.

With breast cancer still ranking as the number one diagnosed cancer in women in Bermuda, the need for awareness and early detection remains critical.

"Look around 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," states Azuree Williams, certified Lemonista and Event and Programme Manager at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

In 2022 the Bermuda National Tumour Registry reported 92 cases of breast cancer diagnosed on island, with 70% affecting black women. While breast cancer continues to impact our community, there is hope in early detection. The American Cancer Society reports that the 5-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer is close to 100%, and even for stage II breast cancer, it's about 93%.

What might surprise many is that breast cancer can also affect 1% of males in Bermuda.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is proud to be a Global Education Partner with the
Know Your Lemons Foundation. Through this partnership, the Centre strives to improve the early detection of breast cancer through innovative and empowering education. Their free programme,
Know Your Lemons, covers risk factors, symptoms, how to feel for lumps and life-saving tools
for early detection.

"At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, we know that early detection is essential not only for survival but also for improving the quality of life, minimizing the cost of medical services, and having the option for less extensive treatment and more treatment options," continues Ms. Williams. "Our Centre recommends that women at average breast cancer risk begin screening at age 40. Consult your doctor to learn how to lower your risk factors and determine the proper tests for you.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre aims to remove barriers preventing people from accessing scientifically based information, early detection services, and cancer treatment. Raising funds to support the Centre's vital work is crucial. Funds raised will provide FREE breast health education, support the Know Your Lemons programme, and subsidise the cost of mammograms, biopsies, and radiation therapy for those who may defer care due to financial constraints. The Centre's fundraising need for Breast Health Awareness Month is to raise $200,000, with 100% of donations supporting their Equal Access Fund and FREE breast health education through the "Know Your Lemons" programme.

• Supporting the Centre's mission this month offers numerous opportunities for you to get involved: Register for the BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, taking place at Barr’s Bay Park; you can register at cancer.bm or on the day of the event at Barr’s Bay Park from 12pm until the commencement of the walk.
• Book a Know Your Lemons Presentation: Connect with our certified Lemonista to schedule a presentation for you and your family, friends or colleagues.
• Host A Fundraising Event: Get creative and organise an event like a Girls' Night In; bring the women in your life together for a fun night at home, and each donate what you would have spent on a night or dinner out.

Feel For LUMPS, Save Your BUMPS! Collectively, we can unite to conquer this disease!