IN recognition of the recently concluded Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sygnus Credit Investments (SCI) has reaffirmed its commitment by leading the company’s annual initiative in the fight.

Sygnus donated $600,000, split equally, to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R).

This year’s contribution was complemented by an engagement where the Sygnus team participated in a meet-and-greet session with representatives from JCS and JR2R to discuss ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support those affected by the breast cancer.

During the session, JCS and JR2R provided an overview of the current breast cancer awareness and prevention landscape in Jamaica, while emphasizing the critical importance of partnerships like these to support their work.

At the same time, Sygnus reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against breast cancer through advocacy actions and financial contributions.

“At Sygnus, we are committed to spreading hope by providing practical support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Through our partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery, we don’t just provide financial assistance: we actively invest in the well-being of our community and stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

“This year, we are proud to donate $600,000 to support the cause. We believe that together we can help more people overcome, thrive and work towards a stronger, healthier future,” said Nicollette Bailey, investment management analyst at Sygnus.

According to the JCS, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Jamaica. In 2022, 1,327 women were diagnosed with the disease, with a mortality rate of 35.2 per 100,000 women. The incidence rate increased from 43.1 per 100,000 women to 71.1 per 100,000 women.

Meanwhile, JR2R – a charity run by dedicated volunteers who support people diagnosed with breast cancer – has highlighted that many women struggle to afford tests, medicines and treatments.

JR2R noted that women in rural parishes, including St Mary, St Thomas, Hanover, Portland and St Elizabeth, often do not have access to testing facilities and must travel to Kingston, St James or the nearest parish for help.

Sygnus’ donation will help strengthen JCS’s mammography screening program, funding mammograms for 50 women, while JR2R will use the money to support uninsured women or those with little or no income who need help to cover the cost of tests, scans, biopsies, medications and treatments.

Michael Leslie, Acting Executive Director of the JCS, highlighted the worrying increase in breast cancer cases in Jamaica.

“This increase reflects the growing number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer across the island. Mammography, which allows early detection, remains the gold standard in screening. I urge all women aged 40 and older to get a mammogram, and those with a strong family history of breast cancer to start screening even earlier,” Leslie said.

“Our partnership with Sygnus over the years has been invaluable. It has enabled many Jamaican women, who otherwise would not have access, to benefit from essential breast cancer screening tests. We extend our sincere thanks to the Sygnus team for their continued support and encourage other organizations to join forces with the JCS to ensure screening of more Jamaican women in need,” added Leslie .

During their visit to the JR2R premises, members of the Sygnus team were able to learn about the organisation’s vital services, including the provision of prosthetic limbs, specialist bras and suitable swimwear for survivors. Additionally, Sygnus presented two self-care gift baskets to JR2R participants as a gesture of appreciation.

“Many women with breast cancer face a heartbreaking choice between feeding their families and paying for tests and treatment. This is why support is essential so that we can continue to help these women.

“Cancer is an urgent issue and, as a charity, Jamaica Reach to Recovery does not receive any ongoing financial support from the Jamaican government or businesses. We rely on donations, like those from Sygnus, to remain sustainable,” said Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R.

She noted that outside of its annual Pink Run fundraiser in October, JR2R’s revenue is minimal, coming from the sale of prosthetics, bras, activewear, swimsuits, pins and occasional donations.

“The continued partnership with Sygnus means everything: it is essential to our sustainability and our ability to help these women,” added Samuels.