An organisation set up by an Act of Parliament more than 60 years ago to fight tuberculosis is to change its name.

The Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association was created in 1945 to address the tuberculosis epidemic that was at that time rapidly spreading across the globe.

But at a special general meeting on August 30, the Association was renamed Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to more accurately reflect the role provided to the community and the needs of the community. The logo too will change, the double red cross will be replaced by a lavender ribbon symbolising general cancer awareness.

It was also decided to incorporate a company limited by guarantee, which will be run by a voluntary Board of Directors, to replace the Association which has been run by a voluntary Council.

Pauline Girling, Marketing and PR officer, said "The new name represents more accurately our role in the community and the expectations of the community, but our service continues to focus on reducing the incidence of late diagnosis of cancer through education and preventative measures.''

Judy Simons, President, said: "The goal of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre highlights the importance of early detection as the best form of prevention. Our immediate aim is to replace the conventional mammography film equipment currently used for breast screening with state of the art digital screening technology.

"All fund raising activities are focused on this goal in order to provide the highest quality screening technology available to the Bermudian population by mid-2008."

The Centre, at 46 Point Finger Road, Paget, has been fully accredited through the Canadian Association of Radiologists since 2001.

Along with mammography screening, other services include ultrasound and bone densitometry.