One hundred women have benefitted from free mammograms courtesy of The Jamaica National Group. Through the seventh mounting of its Power of Pink breast cancer awareness campaign, the organisation hosted an event at the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) headquarters on October 18, celebrated as World Mammography Day, for women to receive complimentary mammograms.
Carlene Edwards, head of sponsorships and promotions at the JN Group, said this is the third consecutive year in which the Group has offered mammograms and just as in previous years, all the slots were taken up.
“Persons came out early to get their mammograms done and since it was done on a first come first served basis, the 100 spaces were quickly allotted. However, only 40 persons were able to do the procedure on the day, but the remaining persons were provided with gift certificates to return another day to get the screening done,” she explained.
During an outside broadcast on Nationwide News Network at the event, Ms Edwards said it is important for women to get their mammograms done when they reach 40 years old because at that age, the risk of getting the disease becomes much higher, so the earlier screening is done, the better.
“For me, I have done mammograms for the last three years, and I was afraid of doing it but after getting it done, all the fear was gone,” she said, acknowledging that although she experienced some discomfort it has never been painful.
She noted, however, that even though 40 is the recommended age for women to start getting mammograms, for those below 40, who may be in high-risk categories and may have other persons in their family who were diagnosed with breast cancer, they should also get a yearly mammogram done.
Ms Edwards says the Power of Pink campaign, which is once again being held under the theme ‘Take the Brave Steps’, is about educating Jamaicans about the disease and encouraging them to conduct regular self-examinations and to get screened, so the disease can be detected and treated early.
As part of the activities, JN Money, the remittance arm of the JN Group, is raising funds in the US, UK, Canada and Cayman markets to support breast cancer patients through the JCS and Reach to Recovery, the JCS’ breast cancer arm. Donations can also be made locally at select JN Money agents.
Acknowledging that the cost of care for any cancer can be very expensive, Ms Edwards outlined that persons who opened a critical illness policy with JN Life Insurance during October benefitted from J$5,000 towards their premium.
She noted that donations earmarked for the JCS were also being accepted via JN Bank through a JN Foundation account.
Read more stories from the Power of Pink campaign:
- Overcoming Cancer Screening Anxiety Saved Jennifer Logan’s Life
- Fearful? Do It Anyway! Five Compelling Reasons to Do a Mammogram
- Teacher Gets Yearly Mammograms for Daughter’s Sake
