The first plug for a $3 million Cancer Resource Centre came yesterday from Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association president Judy Siddle Simmons.

She told Hamilton Rotary Club members at their weekly luncheon that the centre would be a place where cancer patients could learn more about treatment, understand insurance coverage, get counselling and attend support group meetings.

It would also act as the link to facilities for cancer care.

A capital campaign has been launched to enable the project and the $200 tickets for the first fund-raiser -- a concert featuring Peabo Bryson with a five-course dinner at the Southampton Princess Hotel -- are going well, noted Ms Simmons.

She pointed out that Bermudian cancer patients were forced to travel overseas for everything from diagnostic testing to treatment, which was why the centre was sorely needed.

"Unlike other countries where the most advanced cancer fighting materials are available at local medical centres, often within driving distance from the patient's home,'' said Ms Simmons, "patients in Bermuda must travel overseas to receive their diagnoses, visit oncologists and other specialists and receive treatment.

"This centre will be the place where patients can learn more about their specific type of cancer and identify options for treatment,'' she added.

Cancer centre planned "The project will involve moving to a new facility and the development of a programme and resources to provide in-depth educational materials, online information, conferencing with cancer centres abroad, counselling for patients and their families and meeting space for support groups.'' The TB Cancer & Health Association have given themselves five years to buy a facility to house the Centre.

"The $3 million capital campaign is to develop and build a Cancer Resource Centre,'' she said. "Our plans are in the early stages.'' Ms Simmons also noted that the new project will not infringe on the services currently offered by the Association.

"The current community education in areas such as prostate, skin and breast cancer awareness and prevention will continue,'' she said, "as will mammography testing.

"Additionally, expansions into bone densitometry for osteoporosis and a new youth anti-smoking campaign will remain a part of the Association's continuing efforts to meet the needs of the community.''