Women are being given an opportunity to learn about breast health next week as part of Breast Health Awareness Month.

On Tuesday, the Bermuda Hospitals Board will be offering a special awareness event at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s Mammography Department.

Terricca Smith, senior imaging technologist of mammography, said: “We know that many women fear their mammogram will be painful, and just having the test can result in anxiety that something will be found.

“As it is breast health awareness month, we wanted to give women the chance to ask our mammography technologist questions and see the equipment

“This is especially for women who might be close to having their first mammogram and have concerns or questions, but any woman is welcome if they want to come and see the service we offer at the hospital.”

From 8-11am, the BHB will offer a special walk-in service, with an open house from noon until 2pm for women who have not had their first mammogram to meet the team and ask questions.

According to the Bermuda National Tumour Registry, breast cancer is the form of cancer most commonly reported on the island.

More than 20 per cent of breast cancer cases in 2015 involved women between the age of 40 and 49.

Ms Smith said: “We know that women 40 and over are extremely busy with careers and home responsibilities. It is easy to forget to make that mammogram appointment, so we are having a special walk in mammography service on the same day.

“Women 40 or over who have had not had a mammogram in the last year can walk in and get their test.

“Your breast health is our concern and, as early detection saves lives, we want to help make women as comfortable as possible about their mammogram.”