Jamaica Cancer Society: down, but certainly not out

Jane Brown* was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in December 2025 and is scheduled for a mastectomy in November 2026. Before surgery, she must complete several confirmatory tests, including an echocardiogram which costs J$15,000, or J$7,500 with an NHF Card, and a bone scan costing J$28,000.

Jane could not afford the tests. She reached out to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS), indicating that she was feeling confused and close to giving up. We connected her with the Manchester High School Sixth Form Association, which agreed to cover the costs. Her experience reflects a difficult reality for many patients diagnosed with cancer. The cost of confirmatory tests can be beyond their means, even before treatment begins.

Jane’s story reminds us that the fight against cancer must continue and that awareness must lead to access. During an address to the Senate recently, Senator Elon Thompson, a distinguished urologist at the forefront of prostate cancer awareness and treatment, unveiled his plan for tackling cancer and observed that “awareness without capacity breeds frustration”. We can encourage women to seek screening, but that message rings hollow when affordable services are unavailable.

The JCS has historically offered the most affordable mammogram service in Jamaica. However, our only mammography machine is no longer operational, and we have had to suspend the service. Women who depended on us for affordable screening are now unable to access it through the JCS.

Our machine is down, but the education must continue, advocacy must continue, support must continue.

The need for continued education and action is clear. Global Cancer Observatory data for 2022 recorded 1,327 new breast cancer cases and 684 deaths in Jamaica. Breast cancer affects women, their families and communities across the country. Men can also develop breast cancer, so breast health information and early detection must reach everyone.

Since April 2025, the JCS has been working to acquire a replacement mammography machine. We are seeking to raise between J$33 million and J$39 million for this essential equipment. Every donation and fundraising effort brings us closer to restoring a service that has helped women access affordable screening.

We are grateful that the National Health Fund (NHF) has increased its mammogram subsidy from J$3,000 to J$3,800, effective September 24, 2026. The subsidy is available to eligible NHF Card beneficiaries through participating providers. Women ages 40 and over may access it annually. High-risk women ages 30 to 40, and high-risk men ages 40 and over, may also qualify with a doctor’s referral.

We encourage every Jamaican man and woman to apply for an NHF Card, whether or not they have a chronic condition. The NHF states that a person applying for the mammogram benefit does not need to have one of the chronic diseases covered by the card, though a TRN is required. Eligibility for the mammogram subsidy is subject to the NHF’s age and risk criteria. Apply or learn more at nhf.org.jm.

Even with support for screening, many patients face other barriers after a diagnosis. Access to radiotherapy can be a challenge when the service is unavailable in the public system. Cancer treatment is time-sensitive, yet private care in Jamaica can be unaffordable for many patients. Treatment abroad, such as in the Dominican Republic, can cost millions of Jamaican dollars.

How can cancer care be equitable when access to timely treatment depends on a person’s ability to pay? Who will help the woman who cannot afford the next test, surgery or course of treatment?

The JCS cannot answer these questions alone, but we can keep advocating, educating and connecting patients with support. We will continue to work with partners and communities to raise funds for a new machine and to help people find the care they need.

To the corporate donors who have consistently supported the JCS, thank you for standing with us. To the organisations and individuals considering a contribution, we invite you to join this effort. Finally, to our unsung heroes, everyday Jamaicans who give their time and resources, often moved by personal loss or their own experience of survival, we are deeply grateful. Your generosity helps move us closer to a future where women can access the screening and support they need.

The JCSy would not be able to serve without the kindness and trust of others. We thank you, and we remain committed to this work.

Our mammography machine is down, but our commitment to Jamaica’s women is not. Education must continue. Advocacy must continue. Support must continue. The effort to restore access must continue.

We are down, but certainly not out.

*name changed to conceal identity.

Roshane Reid-KoomsonExecutive DirectorJamaica Cancer Society