As Bermuda celebrates the 13th Annual Breast Cancer Month this October, it will also be raising money for a Cancer Information Service on the Island.

Throughout the month, a series of fund-raisers will be held to set up the Service, which will provide a support system for the newly diagnosed, along with their friends and family. Public Relations Director for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre (CHC) Pauline Girling stressed the value of the service, saying: "Today, thanks to early detection and recent medical advances, women are surviving breast cancer, remaining disease free and living longer, healthier lives. Yet despite the encouraging news, being given a diagnosis can still be an overwhelming experience."

Along the fund-raising events scheduled are a 3K/5K Fun Walk starting at 6 p.m. at Barrs Park on October 7, a fashion show and tea party on October 11, and a "Girls Night Out" event at City Hall on October 23.

Events begin on October 1 at noon, when the Minister of Health Walter Roban officially proclaims October as Breast Cancer Month in a ceremony at City Hall.

Other events will include a fish fry fund-raiser at Christ Church Warwick on October 2, a women's conference at CedarBridge on October 3, and a Charity Shopping Day at Gibbons Company, who are offering 20 percent off store wide for a $5 donation to BCH on October 23.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was started in 1996 as a means of encouraging more women to get regular mammograms, which can detect the cancer at it's earliest stages, when it is easiest to treat.

Because of increased awareness of the cancer, breast cancer deaths are on the decline. For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.chc.bm.