The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is hosting A Red Dress Affair Wednesday to promote awareness of heart disease in women.

Christine Sanders, education and office manager of the society, and Dr. Sook Yin, its medical director, have organised this year’s event.

The evening’s activities will include health screenings and education, to emphasize that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

Ms Sanders explained that tickets will not be sold for the event, so no one is denied the chance to learn something that could later save their lives. Instead, the society suggests those attending donate $25 or whatever they can afford.

Last year, 200 people attended the event.

‘I think it’s really to raise awareness of certain health issues. Last year the focus was on tobacco and this year it is obesity – both are risk factors for heart disease and cancer,’ she said.

Ms Sanders wants people to understand they have some control over their risk for certain diseases.

‘Obesity is one of those things that overlaps many of the lifestyle diseases. By modifying diet, being physically active, not smoking and drinking, people can reduce their risk,’ she explained.

Factors like genetics, age and gender can’t be controlled, Ms Sanders added. ‘But there are some things we can control and we can do things to help ourselves,’ she said.

Her hope is to get the message out through events like this, that people need to make healthy lifestyle choices.

During the opening cocktail reception, hosted by Baptist Health South Florida, the Health Services Authority will offer health screenings.

Nutritionist Andrea Hill will have a booth set up where she will provide information on proper portion sizes and healthy eating choices.

Stressing the impact of obesity on health, three speakers (starting at about 6.45pm) will address relevant issues. Dr. Yin explained that obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and cancer.

Cayman internist Dr. Stephen Pickering will talk about heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women.

He will be followed by Ms Sabrina Hernandez, a nutritionist from Florida, who will discuss diet crazes as part of her talk on obesity and health.

Dr. Luis Mendez, a gynaecologist from Florida, will finish the presentations by looking at endometrial and ovarian cancer.

The last part of the evening will feature a parade of red outfits, with a fashion show sponsored by local clothing store Allee.

Throughout the event, the society will be holding a silent auction for an executive medical at Miami’s Baptist Hospital, as well as furniture, dinners, photography sessions and other items donated by local businesses.

In addition, there will be door prizes of two tickets to the Bjorn Again concert later in the month and an Air Canada ticket.

A Red Dress Affair will take place from 5pm tomorrow at the Grand Old House. For more information, contact Christine Sanders at 949-7618.