The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS)  hosted its inaugural ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ radio telethon on Friday (December 12) at its head office located at 16 Lady Musgrave Road in partnership with Gospel JA FM. 

The live broadcast featured special gospel artiste, Jai Kingston, as the JCS intensifies efforts to raise $50 million to purchase a new state-of-the-art mammography machine.

Executive director Roshane Reid-Koomson explained that the new machine is critical to the society’s mission of providing world-class breast cancer screening services.

“We want every woman to have access to modern, accurate, and timely breast cancer screening. Replacing our current machine with advanced technology is a major step in improving the quality of care we provide,” said Reid-Koomson. “Early detection truly saves lives, and this telethon is about providing a fighting chance,” she emphasised.

Breast cancer: A national emergency

Breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer according to incidence & mortality. In 2022, the Global Cancer Observatory reported that 1,327 Jamaican women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 684 lost their lives that year. 

Reid-Koomson revealed that too many women are still being diagnosed at a late stage.

“Far too many women are not screening routinely, by age 40, according to the national screening guidelines. As a result, they present with metastatic breast cancer, which significantly reduces their chances of survival,” she said.

For 70 years, the Jamaica Cancer Society has served as a trusted national cancer advocacy, education, screening and support provider. To date, the JCS has raised J$915,000 online toward its J$50 million goal, but significant funding is still needed.

“We are seeking the kind assistance of Jamaicans at home and abroad. The diaspora has always stood with us, and we are relying on your support at this critical time. Every single donation, large or small, brings us closer to saving more lives. We hope that by the end of the telethon, we will have taken a significant step forward,” Reid-Koomson appealed.

Campaign delayed but not derailed

The telethon, originally scheduled for October 28, when Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, was planned as the grand finale of the Jamaica Cancer Society’s breast cancer awareness month activities.

Reid-Koomson explained that “although our operations were affected, including our St. Elizabeth and St. Ann branches, the urgency of replacing the mammography machine did not change. We decided to move forward with the telethon because cancer will not wait for systems to stabilise. We cannot delay early detection. By pressing ahead, we are ensuring continuity of care for the women who rely on us.”

The telethon presented a unique opportunity for the public to support life-saving cancer services while enjoying an engaging health education experience. Listeners can call in to donate directly toward the purchase of a new mammography machine, helping to expand critical breast cancer screening services. Attendees can also access free prostate screenings, sample healthy food and drinks, and participate in educational sessions through our “Ask the Doctor” segment.

Additionally, the Luminaria tribute request allows individuals to honour loved ones affected by cancer, creating a meaningful and interactive experience for all. This event combines fundraising, education, and community engagement in one impactful day.

Apotex Pharmaceuticals has also donated 100 prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, which will be offered free of charge to the first 100 men who visit the Jamaica Cancer Society on Friday, December 12, reinforcing the importance of early detection. Additionally, the National Health Fund contributed 20 mammograms, 20 Pap smears, and 20 PSA tests, all provided at no cost to the public, demonstrating a strong commitment to cancer screening.

Looking ahead

The Jamaica Cancer Society will provide regular updates on the fundraising progress to the public. Invitations will be extended to schools, churches, service clubs, and community groups in 2026 to amplify cancer education and screening.  

“This telethon provides every Jamaican with an opportunity to play a part in saving a life. No amount is too small. Together, we can ensure that women continue to have access to early detection and a fighting chance,” Reid-Koomson concluded.