The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) is appealing to Corporate Jamaica, citizens at home and in the diaspora and philanthropic partners to join in the fight against breast cancer by assisting with the acquisition of a mammography machine.

The initiative seeks urgent support as the organisation prepares for the increased demand from Jamaican women arising from the health information that will be provided during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

JCS executive director Roshane Reid-Koomson expressed deep concern about the situation:

“I am deeply concerned, as October is our most active period for public engagements that raise awareness of breast cancer risk and encourage Jamaican women to have a mammogram. Yet this year, we may not be able to provide the volume of subsidised or free mammograms that we normally do. Jamaican women need your help. With your donation, the Jamaica Cancer Society can secure a new mammography machine and ensure that no woman is denied access to life-saving screening. Our target is to raise J$50 million to purchase this machine. A supplier is ready to deliver — all we need now is the funding.”

Filling a national gap

Jamaica currently does not have a national mammography screening programme. While mammograms are more readily available in the private sector, four rural parishes, namely St Thomas, Portland, St Mary, and Hanover, still have no access at all. 

For almost seven decades, the JCS has stood in the gap, providing mammograms at subsidised costs or free of charge for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalised women.

Reid-Koomson bemoaned that “it breaks my heart when we have to cancel appointments or redirect women to private institutions where they have to either pay or pay the full cost. For nearly 70 years, the JCS has been here for the people of Jamaica. Now, we are asking Jamaicans everywhere to exercise civic pride and be there for the Society in helping to ensure that this service continues for generations to come”. 

ICWI and CIBC leading the charge

The Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) and CIBC Caribbean have stepped forward as key partners in this important cause, pledging their support for spearheading a fundraising initiative to assist with the purchase of the machine.

The Jamaica Cancer Society commends this meaningful gesture and hopes that others will be inspired to follow ICWI’s & CIBC Caribbean’s lead with their own generous contributions. 

In the meantime, donations can be made locally by direct transfer via banking platform to the Jamaica Cancer Society’s National Commercial Bank account, Knutsford Boulevard branch account number 241639207 (checking, JMD). The swift and bank codes are JNCBJMKX and 07700035, respectively.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Jamaican women. Early detection saves lives. As the JCS approaches its 70th anniversary, this appeal is a call to action for all Jamaicans to help secure the future of breast cancer screening for generations to come.