Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicked off yesterday as team members, sponsors and the Minister of Health announced upcoming events.

The press conference, hosted by Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, took place at noon inside the City Hall Lobby with team members clothed in pink shirts, skirts and even shoes.

Glenn Gibbons, Senior Vice President of BF&M welcomed everyone to the kick-off by announcing this year's theme is "A Great Future Without Breast Cancer".

Mr. Gibbons said he is looking for the entire community to come out and support the events over the month.

"We need support from the community and the media to get the message across", he added.

Minister Scott said: "I, The Honourable Michael Scott MP, on behalf of The Ministry of Health, do hereby proclaim October 2007 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month", and remind every woman that early detection is the best prevention, encourage every woman to take charge of their breast health and have their mammogram, and to challenge every man to support the women in our live and join the ongoing fight to create a future without breast cancer".

Judy Simons, President of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre said: "Breast cancer touches an average of 90 lives every year in Bermuda and that is 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".

John Wight, CEO of BF&M, said the company is proud to support the fundraising events.

"BF&M believes in and supports initiatives that promote wellness in the community and empowers individuals to take control of their health. Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Fun Walk embody both of these concepts and speaks to the heart of our wellness philosophy", he said.

Mr. Wight said BF&M will also host a cancer prevention event before and after the Fun Walk featuring health professionals and vendors providing free education about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of certain cancers.

They will also award $2000 to the school who raises the most funds on the Fun walk this year.

Upcoming fundraising events include the Fun Walk tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Barr's Bay Park, movie nights on October 11 and 16, Denim Day on October 19, a fashion show and tea on October 22 and Girls Night In.

Fundraising this year will go towards buying new digital mammography equipment. For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, contact Rachel Andrade at 236 0949 or randrade@chc.bm.