150 Women to Get Free Mammograms

4 min read

Karlene Craddock (left), in discussion with Carlene Edwards (centre), head of promotions and sponsorships at the JN Group and Roshane Reid-Koomson, executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS). Ms Craddock was one of 150 women who received a free mammogram courtesy of the JN Group’s Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness campaign at the JCS headquarters on October 17, which was recognised as World Mammography Day. Now in its eighth year, the initiative is a collaborative effort among JN Bank, JN Money Services, JN Life Insurance, and the JCS.

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 the 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 the Cancer Society.

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,” she admitted.

When she received a text message from the JN Group in October, announcing the free mammogram offer, Debbie 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 of the JN Group.

She hastened to point 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, adding, “It’s good to come and do it,” as she encouraged other women. She has committed to do her mammogram annually going forward.

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, limited access to screening services, or simply ignoring early signs,” she said.

Mrs Reid-Koomson also shared 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 fundraising activities, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain. When we send out our fundraising letters, we receive many ‘no’s,’ and that affects not just our ability to expand services, but also the upkeep of our building and equipment.”

She disclosed that the JCS is urgently in need of a new mammography machine and noted that the organisation’s goal is to raise J$50 million to make the purchase.

In emphasising the importance of partnerships, Mrs 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 related.

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 Ms Edwards.

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

“We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to protect her health, regardless of her financial situation. Offering free mammograms is one way we can help women take that brave step because early detection truly makes the difference between surviving breast cancer and losing the battle,” she said adding that the annual mammogram offers are usually quickly taken up.

In addition to the free screenings, JN Money, the remittance arm of the JN Group, is leading a fundraising drive throughout October across its branch and agent network in Jamaica, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Cayman Islands. Proceeds will be donated to the JCS and its affiliate arm, Jamaica Reach to Recovery, to assist breast cancer patients and survivors. JN Money customers have been strong supporters of the initiative for the sixth consecutive year.

JN Life Insurance is also providing a J$5,000 gift certificate towards, the second month’s premium for any JN Life Critical Illness policy opened, with offer ending November 28, 2025. This special offer is part of the company’s commitment to helping Jamaicans prepare financially for unexpected health challenges, while encouraging more people to take proactive steps in safeguarding their well-being.