A charity has called on the community to help raise $400,000 for a new 3-D mammography machine to replace its retiring system.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre launched its Mobilise for Mammograms fundraising campaign to purchase the essential upgrade.

Every year, the charity performs between 7,500 and 8,000 mammograms, considered the gold standard in breast cancer screening, and in that time between 60 and 80 people on the island are diagnosed with breast cancer.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment can be, the charity said, and if detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 93 per cent or higher.

Deborah Titterton Narraway, the chief marketing and fundraising officer at BCHC, said: “Breast cancer affects all of us in Bermuda, where it’s the leading cancer diagnosis among women.

“With one in every eight women diagnosed in her lifetime, we all know and love somebody who has had or will have breast cancer.

“We want our loved ones to have the best chance of survival, so early detection is tremendously important. It’s why having advanced imaging equipment, like the new mammography machine we are raising funds to purchase, is critical for our entire community.

“It’s why BCHC makes mammograms available to all who need them, regardless of their insurance coverage or ability to pay.”

The $400,000 will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art SenoBright from GE Healthcare.

BCHC presently has two machines — one was upgraded in 2020 and one is from 2008.

The new 3-D mammography machine will replace the GE Senographe Essential from 2008, which will soon be outdated.

It delivers a low dose and is designed for greater accuracy and patient comfort. The machine can also be upgraded to advanced applications.

Ms Titterton Narraway added: “As cancer care continues to evolve, BCHC’s mission remains to provide the highest standard of early detection, treatment, support, care and education for cancer, to all.

“As an independent care facility and registered charity, we serve the whole community while relying on the community’s support.

“Your donation helps us to provide the care that people in Bermuda need and deserve.”

• For more information about supporting the Mobilise for Mammograms fundraising campaign, visitwww.chc.bmor call 236-0949