A charity dedicated to fighting cancer will launch an awareness-raising campaign in recognition of World Cancer Day.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre said that almost 300 people were diagnosed with cancer every year in Bermuda and more than 80 people died from the disease.

A BCHC spokeswoman said: “Together, we will change that. Research shows that 30 to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable.”

On February 4, the charity will take over a pop-up location in the Washington Mall, offering complimentary refreshments and educating the public about what they can do to reduce the risk of cancer.

The event is one of several being organised around World Cancer Day.

On February 3, schools and offices are encouraged to host a denim day, while businesses are asked to host a “round-up” at the till or a donation box to help raise money to fight cancer.

“We encourage the community to support these participating businesses,” the spokeswoman said. “Your donations will help fund the centre’s free cancer prevention programmes, making it possible to reach more people in Bermuda with this potentially life-saving information.”

Several businesses across the island have already agreed to take part in the fundraising effort.

Terceira’s gas stations will host a round-up at the till on February 4, while Lindos Family Foods will also host a round-up on February 1 and Supermart Limited will offer round-ups between February 13 and February 19.

Meanwhile, Rock Island Coffee, the Tuck Shop, Bermy Cuisine and Frequency Cafe and Hub will host donation boxes on February 4.

World Cancer Day was launched in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control and has become a global event with this year’s theme being “Close the Care Gap” – highlighting the disparity in care offered to cancer patients.

The spokeswoman said: “While we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, many of us who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn.

“Income, education, geographical location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care.

“All donations received on World Cancer Day will help to fund Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s cancer prevention programmes as we work to raise awareness that 30 to 50 per cent of all cancers are preventable.

“The choices you make today can help to reduce your cancer risk tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.chc.bm. Any companies interested in hosting a round-up day, donation box or a denim day can contact jcrockwell@chc.bm.