The Insurance Company of the West (ICWI) Indies has prioritised its support for breast cancer survivors through its annual donations to Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) and by spearheading the Pink Run initiative.

The Pink Run, scheduled for Sunday, October 29, has been a calendar event for the past 15 years, raked in J$9 million at its last staging, and saw over 6,000 participants support the cause.

October is celebrated worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year ICWI’s/JR2R Pink Run will once again be the primary fundraiser for the 46-year organisation, which is entirely funded by donations and fundraising efforts.

Jamaica has approximately 1.4 million women, all of whom could face a breast cancer diagnosis, which remains the leading cancer among women. Studies also show that children have a higher risk of emotional and behavioural problems following a cancer diagnosis within the family.

Carolind Graham, chairperson of the Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) and breast cancer survivor, said: “When the woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the diagnosis affects the family emotionally and financially.”

She indicated that it is not just the patient that is affected by the diagnosis, but that the entire family becomes a part of the breast cancer process, including treatment and care. “The diagnosis also affects the children, as they become anxious, and start questioning what will be the outcome of the disease. There are many uncertainties the patient and family are trying to cope with from the diagnosis,” she added.

“In my case, my husband was very supportive, but many family members tend to mask the pain associated with having a family member diagnosed with breast cancer,” she continued.

Samantha Samuda, vice-president of marketing, distribution, and human resources at the ICWI, said the objective is to raise J$10 million from the annual charity 5K race, Pink Run, which goes directly to survivors who cannot afford recovery care.

The JR2R is the only breast cancer support organisation closely affiliated with the Jamaica Cancer Society. The organisation is made up of volunteers who are breast cancer survivors who, through their fundraising efforts, provide emotional, psychological, and financial support for other breast cancer survivors, and by extension, their family and friends.

Sandra Samuels, president of the JR2R, said it is devastating news for anyone to be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, it can be even more complex depending on the individual’s age. She said, “If you are diagnosed at a young age, you may not be able to have children. The older you are, the easier it is for you to manage, and the cancer is usually not as aggressive. It is, therefore, important that you get tested early to respond to treatment favorably and increase your chances of survival.”

“Fear is a killer. Many people do not get tested, and when the lump is found, it is ulcerated. By the time they start feeling the pain, it is too late. Breast cancer is not normally accompanied by pain, but if it does it is normally at the end stage. The lack of information, especially in rural areas, is a deterrent and results in more women being diagnosed at a later stage with the disease,” she continued.

A breast lump is the usual sign noticed when an individual goes for investigation. However, regular screening for breast cancer is recommended starting at the age of 40 years. In general, women can do self-breast exams at home.

At JR2R, Samuels indicated that their mandate is to assist women who have been diagnosed with the disease and to spread awareness about the impact of the disease on the individual and the family.

Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need assistance can contact Jamaica Reach to Recovery by sending a letter outlining their situation, and their needs.

Funds are only distributed to the doctor or healthcare facility that the patient is receiving treatment.