ST JAMES, Jamaica — Fifty-two women received free breast cancer screenings through the efforts of the western Jamaica-based Janet Richards Foundation, in partnership with the National Health Fund (NHF), Sandals Foundation and Hospiten last week.

A similar number are expected to be screened this week through the project, which is undertaken in memory of the late Gwendolyn Bell Kameka, who first sponsored the screening in 2020.

Last week during the launch of the screening, which formed a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, Richards, the founder of the Janet Richards Foundation, expressed gratitude to the sponsors.

“I really want to thank Hospiten, from day one they have exceeded their expectations where this programme is concerned. I also want to thank NHF and Sandals for their overwhelming support this year,” Richards said.

Regional Public Relations Manager at Sandals Resorts International, Rochelle Forbes Reid stressed the importance of early detection to cancer treatment.

“Early detection is so important and I know Hospiten is passionate about that, as well as the NHF and the Janet Richards Foundation and the team, and so are we. A lot of lives can truly be saved by doing this,” Forbes Reid said.

Country manager of Hospiten, Samuel Afonso Diaz and Racquel Dickenson McDonald, radiology supervisor at Hospiten were equally enthused over the hospital’s involvement in the screenings.

Meanwhile, Merlina Smith Williams, a 67-year-old woman, was grateful for her first ever mammogram test.

“Mi feel good. This is the first time I am doing the test,” Smith Williams said.