The Bermuda TB, Cancer and Health Association is recognised as one of Bermuda's oldest charities, marking its 55th anniversary this year.

While the association was originally formed in 1945 to assist patients with tuberculosis, today the organisation continues to expand its role to address prevention and early detection of major health concerns, such as prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung disease and women's health.

The association's impact in the community is far reaching. The early detection of breast cancer through mammography is one of the association's primary functions. Between 600 and 700 mammograms are performed each month.

Additionally, educational programmes on cancer prevention are performed in local schools and businesses, public service messages are conveyed through local media and community fund-raising events such as the June Tag Day, Breast Cancer Denim Day and Christmas Seals help to raise awareness about cancer and other diseases.

The association's mammography units were accredited in 1999 by the Canadian Association of Radiologists, making them the first facility outside of North America to receive this distinction.

As an umbrella organisation to the Diabetes Association of Bermuda and the Ostomy Association of Bermuda, the association provides medication, supplies and appliances at cost to diabetic and ostomy patients who are reliant upon these services.

The highly successful Women's Health and Breast Cancer Awareness Month fun walk helped raise funds to purchase a bone densitometre in 1999 to assist in the early detection of bone loss associated with osteoporosis, a major cause of disability in men and women.

In the next several years the association will embark upon an ambitious goal of building the island's first comprehensive cancer resource centre for patients and their families. The Centre will provide education about cancer diagnosis and treatment options, on-line resources, counselling and meeting space for support groups.

The association employs a staff of 10, six full-time, including two radiographers and two nurses, a clerical technician and a public relations and education officer.