It was through the efforts of Former US Ambassador to The Bahamas, Ned L. Siegel, his wife, Stephanie and BBCIF that Sunshine Insurance secured the Komen Race series for the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend. During Ambassador Siegel’s tenure, his wife, Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer. While being treated, she was alarmed at the number of Bahamian women, particularly young women, being diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to take action. The Siegel's founded the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) in 2008. BBCIF was dedicated to genetic testing in order to ascertain why such a high percentage of Bahamian women were diagnosed with the disease. The Sunshine Insurance SGK Bahamas Race for the Cure® series officially debuted in January 2011, however, a SGKRFTC on Island began with the US embassy and the Siegel's in 2008. Today, it remains an important event on many people’s calendars – locally and internationally. Bahamas Race for the Cure® provides funding to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – BBCIF, the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. OUR MISSION
The mission of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation is to facilitate the collaboration of multiple partners to improve breast cancer care in The Bahamas. To provide the women of The Bahamas with a comprehensive breast cancer program to include education, early detection and care. To conduct and support clinical research and trials in The Bahamas translating the results into effective breast cancer treatment. BACKGROUND
The Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) is a public-private partnership that was formed in Nassau, The Bahamas, in April 2008.The Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative sprung from the observations, commitment and dedication of The US Embassy, a group of Bahamian, American and Canadian, professionals, medical oncologists, radiologists, and survivors, united in their determination to improve breast cancer care in The Bahamas. THE ALARMING FACTS
Research has shown:
*48% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas are under the age of 50.
* 20% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas are under the age of 40.
*42 is the average age of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas.
*44% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Bahamas present with late Stage 3 or late stage 4 breast cancer.
*43% of the women in The Bahamas who die from breast cancer , die under the age of 50.
*23% of the women in The Bahamas diagnosed with breast cancer carry the BRCA1 gene mutation - the highest known population in the world studied to date to carry this mutation. RESEARCH PROGRAM
The BBCIF program offered genetic testing and counseling to all newly diagnosed women with breast cancer and ovarian cancer in The Bahamas. In addition, testing was offered to unaffected relatives of women who are found to carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Ongoing studies are designed to determine the risk
of hereditary breast cancer in women in the Bahamian population. WHAT CAN BE DONE
Increase awareness about breast cancer and early detection through continuous public education and programs encouraging good diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Promote early detection of breast cancer by advocating mammograms, clinical breast examinations and monthly breast self-exams. Establishing national guidelines for breast cancer screening in The Bahamas recommended by the Ministry of Health. Create a Patient Navigation Program tailored to the needs of The Bahamian women which will assist them in receiving proper treatment and care. Conduct medical research and translate results into breast cancer treatment and protection for the benefit of all Bahamian women.
