IN recognition of the recently ended Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sygnus Credit Investments (SCI) reaffirmed its commitment by spearheading the firm’s annual initiative in the fight.

Sygnus donated $600,000, divided equally, to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R).

This year’s contribution was complemented with an engagement, where the Sygnus team participated in a meet-and-greet session with representatives of JCS and JR2R to discuss ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support individuals affected by breast cancer.

During the session, JCS and JR2R provided insights into the current landscape of breast cancer awareness and prevention in Jamaica, while highlighting the critical importance of partnerships like these in supporting their work.

In the meantime, Sygnus reaffirmed its dedication to fighting breast cancer through advocacy and financial contributions.

“At Sygnus, we are committed to spreading hope by offering tangible support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Through our partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery, we are not just providing financial aid — we are actively investing in the well-being of our community and standing in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

‘This year, we are proud to donate $600,000 to support the cause. We believe that together we can help more people overcome, thrive, and work towards a stronger, healthier future,” said Nicollette Bailey, investment management analyst at Sygnus.

According to the JCS, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Jamaica. In 2022, 1,327 women were diagnosed with the disease, with a mortality rate of 35.2 per 100,000 women. The incidence rate has risen to 71.1 per 100,000 women, up from 43.1 per 100,000 women.

In the meantime, JR2R — a charity run by dedicated volunteers who support those diagnosed with breast cancer — highlighted that many women struggle to afford tests, medication, and treatment.

JR2R noted that women in rural parishes, including St Mary, St Thomas, Hanover, Portland, and St Elizabeth, often lack access to screening facilities and must travel to Kingston, St James, or the nearest parish for assistance.

The donation from Sygnus will help strengthen JCS mammography screening programme, funding mammograms for 50 women, while JR2R will use the money to support uninsured women, or those with minimal or no income who need help to cover the cost of tests, scans, biopsies, medication, and treatment.

Michael Leslie, acting executive director at JCS, highlighted the concerning rise in breast cancer cases in Jamaica.

“This increase reflects more women being diagnosed with breast cancer across the island. A mammogram, which enables early detection, remains the gold standard for screening. I urge all women aged 40 and older to get their mammograms done, and those with a strong family history of breast cancer to begin screening even earlier,” said Leslie.

“Our partnership with Sygnus over the years has been invaluable. It has allowed many Jamaican women, who might otherwise lack access, to receive critical breast cancer screenings. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sygnus team for their ongoing support, and we encourage other organisations to join forces with the JCS in providing screening for more Jamaican women in need,” added Leslie.

During their visit to the JR2R facility, members of the Sygnus team gained insight into the organisation’s vital services, which include providing prosthetics, specialised bras, and swimsuits tailored for survivors. Additionally, Sygnus presented two self-care gift baskets to the JR2R participants as a gesture of appreciation.

“Many women diagnosed with breast cancer face the heartbreaking choice between feeding their families and paying for tests and treatments. That’s why support is vital to our ability to continue helping these women.

“Cancer is a time-sensitive issue, and as a charity, Jamaica Reach to Recovery receives no ongoing financial support from Government or corporate Jamaica. We rely on donations, like those from Sygnus, to remain sustainable,” said Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R.

She noted that outside of its annual Pink Run fund-raiser in October, JR2R’s income is minimal, coming from the sale of prostheses, bras, gym wear, swimwear, pins, and occasional donations.

“The continued partnership with Sygnus means everything — it is essential to our sustainability and our ability to assist these women,” added Samuels.