ONE hundred and fifty women are to receive complimentary mammograms courtesy of the JN Group as part of its Power of Pink breast cancer awareness campaign to promote early detection.

The mammograms were offered on a first-come, first-served basis at Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) headquarters in St Andrew on World Mammography Day, October 17. The initiative, now in its eighth year, was a collaborative effort among JN Bank, JN Money Services, JN Life Insurance, and JCS.

For Debbie Smith, a 50-year-old mother of three, the opportunity to receive a free mammogram was timely. It was her first time getting the screening done, as like many women, she had postponed it because of the cost.

“I got a referral from a doctor in July to do a mammogram, but I didn’t have the money to do it,” Smith admitted.

When she received a text message from JN Group in October, announcing the free mammogram offer, Smith didn’t hesitate to take advantage of it.

“I think it is a blessing because people out there don’t have the money to come and do it,” she said in response to the initiative.

Smith pointed out that her experience in doing the mammogram was not as she anticipated.

“It wasn’t that bad. I had heard about the pain but to me, it was comfortable enough,” she said.

“It’s good to come and do it,” added Smith in a encouragement other women.

Roshane Reid-Koomson, executive director of the JCS, noted that many women continue to face financial challenges, which often prevent them from getting screened on an annual basis.

“As a result, too many are still being diagnosed at advanced stages. This often stems from fear, misinformation, and limited access to screening services, or simply ignoring early signs,” said Reid-Koomson

She said that limited financial resources remain the major challenge for the JCS in its fight against breast cancer.

“As an NGO (non-governmental organisation) the Jamaica Cancer Society relies heavily on donations and fund-raising activities, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain. When we send out our fund-raising letters, we receive many noes, and that affects not just our ability to expand services, but also the upkeep of our building and equipment,” added Reid-Koomson.

In emphasising the importance of partnerships, Reid-Koomson highlighted the support of the JN Group in promoting breast cancer awareness and expanding access to screening over the years.

“On a day like World Mammography Day, this collaboration helps us fulfil our mandate to reach more people, especially those who are vulnerable, underserved, or unable to afford screening,” she said.

Echoing the value of collaboration, Carlene Edwards, head of promotions and sponsorships at the JN Group, pointed out that the Power of Pink campaign, themed ‘Take the Brave Steps’, reinforces the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellness and early detection.

“The campaign is about empowering women to take charge of their health by encouraging them to perform regular self-examinations, schedule mammograms, and take proactive measures for their health,” said Edwards.

She underscored the financial barriers that make it prohibitive for some women in obtaining this essential screening.