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…

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...