Closing the gap: Why access to breast cancerscreening must be a national priority

BREAST cancer awareness has made important strides in Jamaica, but awareness alone is not enough. Women must also be able to access the screening services needed to detect the disease early at an affordable cost. For many, a lack of information about mammograms and what to expect can create fear and uncertainty, discouraging them from seeking screening.

For others, the barriers are more practical, including the cost of transportation, time away from work, finding someone to accompany them, and arranging the support of a caregiver. When a woman must travel outside her parish for a mammogram, the journey can become even more difficult, particularly when she has to navigate the process alone. Having to manage these arrangements without support can be both mentally and physically stressful, adding to the anxiety a woman may already feel about the screening process.

As a breast cancer survivor and president of Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R), Sandra Samuels understands the importance of ensuring that women have access to the support and services they need throughout their breast cancer journey. Through her work with the organisation, she continues to advocate for women affected by the disease and for greater access to the resources that can support early detection and care.

Samuels acknowledges that there have been improvements in recent years, including support through the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Health Fund (NHF), which provides a subsidy of $3,800 towards mammograms for eligible persons aged 40 to 74, through the NHF card. Although there have been significant improvements in access to breast cancer screening over the past three years, Samuels believes that much more needs to be done to address the existing gaps in service provision.

With only two mammography machines in the public health sector, one at Kingston Public Hospital and the other at Cornwall Regional Hospital, limited capacity can result in waiting periods that are intolerable for many patients and make timely screening difficult. For women who turn to private facilities, the cost of mammograms can be prohibitive, creating another barrier to early detection.

The challenges extend beyond screening, to the cost and availability of treatment. Private healthcare expenses, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can place a significant financial burden on patients and their families. Within the public health system, access to radiotherapy is also a concern, as the available equipment serves patients with various types of cancer, contributing to demand for limited treatment capacity. Given the importance of timely treatment, lengthy waits can be particularly concerning for patients who require radiotherapy as part of their care.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory, Jamaica recorded approximately 1,310 new cases of female breast cancer and an estimated 695 deaths from the disease in 2024. These figures reinforce the urgency of improving access to screening, diagnosis and treatment.

“We cannot continue to tell women how important early detection is without also addressing whether they can access the services that make it possible. Awareness must be matched by action. A woman should not have to choose between paying for transportation to a screening appointment and meeting other essential needs.” Samuels said.

Where you live should not determine your access to care

One of the challenges Jamaica must confront is the geographical availability of mammography services. Based on information available to JR2R, six parishes currently do not have a mammography unit within their boundaries. Women in these communities may have to travel elsewhere for screening, adding transportation costs, time away from work and other logistical challenges.

These barriers can discourage women from seeking screening or delay follow-up when a concern arises. Improving access requires more than encouraging women to get screened. It means ensuring that services are within reasonable reach and that women can navigate the process from screening to diagnosis and treatment.

“Access must become part of the national conversation about breast cancer. We need to look seriously at how screening services can reach underserved communities, including exploring the feasibility of a mobile mammography unit. This will require collaboration among government, healthcare providers, corporate Jamaica, the diaspora and other partners,” Samuels explained.

Turning support into meaningful action

The 2026 JR2R Pink Run, held Sunday under the theme Miles and Miles of Hope, is one of the ways the organisation continues to support women affected by breast cancer while drawing attention to the importance of accessible screening. This year’s fundraising effort will contribute towards the Jamaica Cancer Society’s acquisition of a new digital mammography machine, strengthening its capacity to provide breast cancer screening services.

JR2R’s work also extends beyond the annual event. Between January 2025 and April 2026, the organisation allocated approximately $11.2 million to support 210 women affected by breast cancer, providing assistance with a range of medical expenses, including heart tests, MRI and CT scans, surgery, medication and diagnostic tests related to breast cancer.

Samuels emphasised that while fundraising initiatives provide valuable support, improving access to breast cancer screening requires a broader, sustained commitment from stakeholders across Jamaica.

“Every contribution to the Pink Run helps us continue supporting women affected by breast cancer and brings greater attention to the importance of accessible screening. While initiatives such as these can make a meaningful difference, improving access requires sustained collaboration and investment to ensure that women, regardless of their location or financial circumstances, have a better opportunity to receive the care they need,” she said.

A shared national responsibility

Screening alone cannot eliminate breast cancer deaths, but access to appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and effective treatment can make a meaningful difference. Progress will require sustained investment, stronger referral pathways and collaboration across the public and private sectors.

As Jamaica continues to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the call must extend beyond awareness to action. No woman’s parish, income or circumstances should stand between her and the opportunity to seek care in order to survive.

Through the Pink Run and its continued advocacy, JR2R hopes to help move Jamaica closer to a future where access to breast cancer screening is not determined by where a woman lives or what she can afford.