Last week the country received a bit of news that was frightening to say the least.

Ms Dorothy Satchwell, founder and chair of Misty Blue Cancer Care Foundation, told us that 115 women in western Jamaica may have to wait indefinitely for already-paid-for mammograms as there is only one of the specialised machines used for early detection of breast cancer functioning in that part of the country.

That was confirmed by Dr Delroy Fray, clinical coordinator for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), who said that the only working mammogram machine in the west is at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH).

However, he said that because of staff limitations the hospital curtails use of the machine to “only patients who are highly suspicious of cancer” or patients in the clinic there who require the scan.

At the same time, Dr Fray explained that if anyone who cannot afford a private mammogram is referred to CRH and, on assessment, the case is deemed urgent, they will be accommodated.

Our concern about this gulf in access to early breast cancer detection in western Jamaica was heightened by Dr Lincoln Cox at Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital, who voiced unease about the number of women under 30 years old who are experiencing breast cancer at the end stage because “the screening mechanisms are not there”.

According to Dr Cox, breast cancer surgeries performed at the hospital between 2020 and 2024 have shown a steady increase. In 2020 a total of 27 surgeries were performed; in 2022 the number climbed to 37; in 2023 there were 41; and in 2024 there were 47.

Those are not simply statistics. They point to a tragedy unfolding in real time as the WRHA covers the parishes of St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, and Trelawny.

When screening is unavailable, the inevitable result is delayed diagnosis. By the time women who, for whatever reason do not benefit from early detection, get attention, the cancer is advanced, treatment is more complex, outcomes are worse.

We note, however, that while the cost of private mammography is prohibitive for many women — somewhere in the region of $11,000 we are told — the fact is that the cost is reduced significantly with health insurance. For those who do not enjoy that benefit, mammograms, while not broadly free in the public health sector, are done without cost at some public hospitals. Additionally, the Jamaica Cancer Society offers the service at a subsidised rate while Government-partnered initiatives offer discounts or free screenings.

Still, there is more that can be done, given our reality that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. At last check, data published by the health ministry showed that there were an estimated 1,208 new breast cancer cases and 637 deaths in the year 2020.

Investment in more equipment and infrastructure should be a priority by the State. That, we believe, can be achieved in collaboration with donor partners and private sector entities that are financially able to assist.

Last week as well, the Jamaica Cancer Society appealed for public help to purchase a new mammogram machine, as the one it now has is near end of life. The Government should consider it a duty to acquire that machine and more, as well as mobile screening units.

Screening equipment and infrastructure, increased public awareness, and equity must become priorities. The steps to fix this are clear — what remains is the political will to make it happen.