Educating the community about screening and early detection is the focus of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the theme titled “In It to End It”.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s BF & M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Under the patronage of Pamela Dunkley the hope is to raise awareness in the hope of reducing the incidences of breast cancer in Bermuda.

Tara Curtis, executive director at BCHC said: “This year being the 20th Anniversary of the BF & M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, we are hopeful that it creates an even larger buzz around the importance of screening.

“80 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no genetic history of breast cancer in their family. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.”

This year, BCHC is due to host a number of events and initiatives and is urging the community to get involved. Breast cancer survivors, family members or friends of someone impacted can get involved by creating their own event or participating in one of the many events taking place throughout the month of October in Bermuda.

These initiatives are to raise funds and empower women and their families with valuable information about breast health and breast cancer.

The goal during 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness month is to raise $250,000. All funds raised will support our charitable outreach initiatives which include the Radiation Therapy Initiative our Equal Access Fund.

The events are as followed:

October 5 to 8 (Wednesday to Saturday) — Coopers Cares Sale — make a donation each day and shop for store-wide savings.

October 7 (Friday) Wear It PINK Denim Day — Get your organisation or school involved by wearing pink or denim and make a donation. To participate e-mail events@chc.bm.

October 20 (Thursday) BF & M Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (rain date is October 24) — Health Fair at Barr’s Park begins at 5pm, walk starts at 6pm. The registration fee of $30 can be processed via www.racedayworld.com, or at BF & M, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre or The Sportseller. Walk packs will be available while supplies last. Schools should participate through School Spirit.

October 27 (Thursday) Gibbons Company Shop & Give — make a cash donation at the door and enjoy 20 per cent discount storewide for the entire day.

November 10 (Thursday) Annual Fish Fry — Take out or eat in at Christ Church in Warwick from 4:30pm to 8:30pm for $20 per dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Keith’s Kitchen, BAA Parking Lot, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre or online at www.chc.bm

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and events taking place, visit Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s website at www.chc.bm and follow them on Facebook.