And while there is no means of prevention, once diagnosed, a strong support base can help.

In Bermuda, that support can be found among the 140 members of Just Between Us, an-informal self-help group for women who have had breast cancer surgery and/or related problems.

Established in 1991, the group offers "an opport unity for women to share their feelings and concerns, get answers, and gain support from others with similar experiences while in the process of returning to their normal lifestyle,'' explained the group's founder and chairman, Shirley Humphreys.

"(We are) a group of women who have been successful candidates for lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. We exist because we believe that you can connect and find comfort with someone who has walked your way. When the diagnosis is breast cancer, you are suddenly confronted with some of the most important decisions of your life. There are often many choices and you need reliable, accurate information quickly. We are available to meet with you privately, on a one-to-one basis, to discuss your concerns and help find answers to your questions.'' According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for more than 30 percent of cancer in women and, as you get older, the risk increases. Also: About 75 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed each year are among women without any known risk factors.

Breast cancer death rates in the US declined between 1989 and 1992 through increased compliance with routine mammography, monthly breast self-examination (with resulting early detection) and advances in adjutant systemic therapy for early-stage disease.

There is no way to prevent breast cancer but it is obvious that the best protection from dying of breast cancer is early detection and prompt treatment.

Early detection often means less surgery and gives a woman her best chance of survival.

Research shows that breast cancer mortality could be reduced by at least 30 percent if women followed recommended breast cancer screening guidelines -- faithful monthly breast self-examination from age 20, annual clinical breast examination by a physician from age 30, a mammogram every two years from age We're here for you the age of 50.

"In Bermuda,'' said Mrs. Humphreys, "over an eleven year span -- between January 1984 and December 1994 -- 340 females and 6 males were diagnosed with breast cancer and 97 have died.'' But where a problem is possible, one should not panic. "Many women have lumpy breasts, which are no reason for concern -- over 80 percent of all breast lumps examined by a doctor are not breast cancer.

"Once breast cancer is confirmed, take a few weeks to learn about the disease and treatment options. Early-stage breast cancer is treatable. In many cases, just the lump is removed, leaving only a small scar. If a woman needs to have her breast removed, plastic surgery can replace it. Most women treated for early-stage breast cancer do well, advances in treatment that may follow surgery have meant that many women don't need to change their work or home lives while they are getting well. Every member of our network is committed to you because we know what it's like to be diagnosed with breast cancer. We are all breast cancer survivors, and are here to support you.'' If diagnosed positively, Mrs. Humphreys advises: Get a second opinion.

Ask someone to be your "buddy'' when you go to the doctor.

Understand your treatment options. Team up with a doctor who you feel good about and who answers all of your questions.

Learn as much as you can and enlist the help of a free support group such as Just Between Us.

For further information, contact Mrs. Humphreys at 236-3287.

Shirley Humphreys HEALTH HTH