Acting Health Minister Michael Weeks yesterday encouraged women to take steps to protect themselves against breast cancer.His comments were made at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, at City Hall.Mr Weeks said breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer on the Island, representing nearly a third of all diagnosed cancers in Bermuda.“The good news is the survival rate for this illness continues to improve. Mammograms and breast exams help find breast cancers early when treatments can be most effective,” he said.“The most recently released health review concluded that breast cancer mortality in Bermuda has been declining in the past decade and is lower in Bermuda than most high-income countries. In fact, we are among the best performers compared to other OECD countries, which is likely due to our high rates of screening.“Unfortunately there are still women in Bermuda that are not taking advantage of early detection and others who do not get screened through mammograms [or regular] physical breast exams.”According to Mr Weeks, studies show that health and lifestyle choices may reduce the occurrence of breast cancer. Still, many women are not aware that diet and exercise may affect their risk for this disease.Throughout this month, various groups will be hosting events to help Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre raise $250,000 to upgrade their cancer diagnostic equipment.There will be free mammogram screenings, grub days and a display at City Hall in honour of breast cancer sufferers called “Faces of Breast Cancer”.Mr Weeks said: “We are urging mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters and cousins and friends to take time out of their busy schedules and protect the future of their health by scheduling an annual mammogram.”Deputy CEO of BHB Venetta Symonds said while having access to the best quality diagnostic screening procedures, treatment and care was important, it was also vital for women to be proactive.“The World Cancer Research fund concludes that nearly 40 percent of all breast cancer cases could be prevented if women kept a healthy weight, drank less alcohol, exercised more and breastfed their babies.“In addition, if women take an active role in their health care by scheduling their yearly mammogram, seeing their physician for a yearly check up and performing monthly self-exams, early detection and better outcomes are far more likely.“We know that early detection is still the best detection.”US statistics show that 98 percent of women have a five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected early, she said.Ms Symonds said it only takes minutes to schedule an exam, but the result of being proactive “could mean a lifetime of good health”.“Fewer women will die of breast cancer if more women make time to care for their own health and follow recommended preventive measures.“These simple, common sense steps save women and their families of going through the heartache and stress of breast cancer.”The Department of Health, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and Bermuda Hospitals Board are encouraging women to follow three simple steps that will increase their chances of early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. They are:1 Undergoing a yearly mammogram;2 having an annual physical carried out by their doctor; and3 Learning to carry out monthly self-breast exams.Women aged 40 and up are encouraged to have mammogram screenings on an annual basis. Those with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctors about getting screened sooner.Useful website: www.chc.bm