Events are being planned throughout October to raise awareness of breast cancer.

Yesterday Health Minister Nelson Bascome officially proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Month and encouraged every woman on the Island to ensure they are checked for the disease.

And as part of the month, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has joined forces with Bermuda Hospitals Board to set up a series of events to hammer home the early detection message.

Yesterday Mr. Bascome reminded every woman that early detection was the best prevention and he encouraged all women to take charge of their breast health and have her annual mammogram.

He also challenged all men to support the woman in their lives and join the fight to create a future without breast cancer.

President of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, Glen Gibbons, said: "Breast cancer touches over 90 lives every year in Bermuda, that is over 90 families whose lives are turned upside down by this disease.

"During October, the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bermuda and worldwide, we renew our commitment to making progress in the fight to prevent, detect, treat and cure this deadly disease."

Executive director of Bermuda Cancer and Health, Tara Soares, told The Royal Gazette that they have recently purchased new digital mammography screening equipment.

She said: "We are now fully equipped to perform state-of-the-art mammograms and encourage women over the age of 40 to get their annual mammograms. The procedure takes less than five minutes to complete and women aged 40 and over do not need an appointment. Women under 40 will be recommended by their doctor if necessary."

Ms. Soares said that the facility tested more than 40 people per day.

She also said that although there are about 90 new cases a year, United States statistics reveal that one in nine people are diagnosed a year and one in 27 die from breast cancer a year.

"We encourage everyone to do self-exams and get their routine mammograms because early detection is best."

This year's fundraising events include:

¦ The 12th Annual Fun Walk on Wednesday October 8 at 6 p.m. at Barr's Park. BF&M insurance will be the major sponsors of the walk and will host a Health Fair which will start before the walk. Immediately following the walk BF&M will give a $2,000 school team spirit award for the school that raises the most funds for breast cancer awareness.

The celebrity 'Pink Mile' will take place at the end of the walk in Barr's Park.

¦ The Third Annual Fish Fry, at Christ Church, Warwick, will take place this Friday, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and can be bought from Keith's Kitchen at BAA parking lot, or Christ Church today between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

¦ Every Tuesday will be 'Tell a Friend Tuesday' which is an opportunity to call friends and family to have a mammogram.

¦ Dr. Kevin Hughes, of Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, will talk about the genetic risk of breast cancer at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) at 7 p.m. on October 9.

¦ Denim Day will be on Friday, October 17, and the public is encouraged to wear denim or sport a sticker to show support for early detection.

¦ A Fashion Show and a Tea at Pembroke Sunday School Hall will be on Sunday, October 19, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. For further information and tickets contact Daisy McMaster on 292 1522 or Mary Williams on 236 4627.

¦ The Pretty in Pink party at A.S. Coopers, on Front Street, will be on Thursday, October 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

¦ On Wednesday October 29 it will be the first Girls Night Out and evening of comedy. There are two performances 7.30 p.m., which is sold out. and 9.30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and are available from the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

¦ All month long from October 1 to 31 Girls Night In will be observed. This is where ladies are encouraged to get together and celebrate. Sponsorship packages are available at a Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

Pink boxes will be placed at various locations around the Island for the public to contribute towards the final cost associated with the purchase of the new digital mammography equipment installed at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, contact Rhonda Smith-Simmons, Educational officer on 236 0949 or email rsmith.simmons@chc.bm">rsmith.simmons@chc.bm.