October is Breast Health Awareness Month and it is vital that women, especially, become more aware of the disease.

An average of 50 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Bermuda. Its physical effects can be fatal and even for survivors, the trauma of getting breast cancer can be severe.

The good news is that research into breast cancer is improving all the time, as are the diagnostic methods, treatments and prevention.

If it is identified early enough, then survivors have a better chance than ever before of surviving.

A recent US study reported that more than 90 percent of reported breast cancers are now being detected at a localised or regional stage, for which five-year survival rates are 97 percent and 79 percent respectively.

Worryingly for Bermuda, that American Cancer Study report also reported: "In addition, African American women show a higher incidence of breast cancer among young women. Overall, African American women are more likely to present with tumours that are large (five centimetres or larger) and disease that has spread. Compared to white women whose disease has spread, African American women have a significantly lower five-year survival rate."

Because Bermuda has a majority black population, this is particularly alarming and makes prevention and early detection more important than ever.

But the same rules apply for everyone. Chances of survival worsen the longer a growth is left and the odds are also worse for people who lead unhealthy lifestyles.

That's why self-examinations, clinical breast exams and mammograms each year for women over the age of 40 are so important, and why a generally health lifestyle helps to prevent breast cancer and aids recovery.

It is easy to assume "it can't happen to me" but it can and does. There are hundreds of women who can attest to that fact.

The way to reduce the risks of "it happening to me" and to improve the chances of survival is to get educated. Some websites that are particularly helpful are the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org) and www.cancer. org.

Locally, the TB Cancer & Health is a mine of information and also provides mammograms as is King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Get educated and prevent breast cancer.