FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 25, 2025
SYGNUS MARKS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF BREAST CANCER SUPPORT: FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH NEW MAMMOGRAPHY MACHINE, SCREENINGS AND LIFESAVING ACCESS
(Kingston, Jamaica) Sygnus has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against breast cancer with a donation to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R). This handover marks five consecutive years of partnership and purpose, empowering women and men across Jamaica with access to critical screenings, care, and emotional support.
Since the initiative’s inception, Sygnus’ consistent support has enabled hundreds to receive free or subsidised mammograms through the JCS, while also helping JR2R provide care packages, counselling, and survivor support services. This year’s donation will continue to fund these vital services, while also contributing toward the JCS’ new fundraising appeal for a state-of-the-art mammography machine. Acquisition of this machine will significantly strengthen early detection efforts, expanding access to lifesaving screenings for women across the island.
Damani Reid, Senior Manager of Investment Management, Sygnus, shared that this milestone represents more than a corporate gesture. “For us at Sygnus, this partnership is more than an annual gesture, it’s a shared commitment to hope, healing, and humanity. Each year, we see how these contributions help persons take control of their health, access lifesaving screenings, and find the strength to rebuild their lives. We are proud to walk alongside the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery as partners in this fight, ensuring that awareness leads to action and that no one faces breast cancer alone.”
Executive Director Roshane Reid-Koomson welcomed Sygnus’ continued partnership,
highlighting the impact of their donation. “The Jamaica Cancer Society has launched a new appeal to fund a mammography machine, which will cost J$50 million. While this handover is symbolic, it is also incredibly practical for us because so many women are in need of mammograms. In 2022 alone, Jamaica recorded over 1,300 new cases of breast cancer.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and the second leading cause of
cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. Screening is directly tied to treatment – if we cannot screen, we cannot detect, and if we cannot detect, we cannot treat. That is why this appeal for a new mammography machine is so important. Survivorship depends on early detection. We are incredibly grateful to Sygnus for partnering with us once again, providing a donation that will go toward free screenings for women. Contributions like this make a real difference and help sustain our work. We look forward to many more years of partnership and impact together.”
In addition to its ongoing support for screening services, Sygnus’ contribution to Jamaica Reach to Recovery continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors and women undergoing treatment.
Sandra Samuels, President of Jamaica Reach To Recovery, expressed, “On behalf of all the
women we serve, we are deeply grateful to Sygnus for their consistent support over the past five years. At Jamaica Reach to Recovery, we are not funded by the government or any organisation, and we rely entirely on donations and fundraising. Contributions like Sygnus’ make a real difference, helping women access essential services such as mammograms, needle biopsies, scans, medication, and other treatment-related costs that can run up to J$150,000 per person. A diagnosis of breast cancer comes with significant financial challenges, and every cent counts. Sygnus’ generosity ensures that more women can receive the care they need, and for that, we are truly thankful.”
Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Jamaica, and early detection
continues to be the most effective weapon in saving lives. Recent local expert analysis
highlights that:
● Jamaican women are diagnosed at a younger age than their U.S. counterparts, with a
median onset of 52-54 years.
● Nearly half of patients are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, with 33-36% under 50 and 16%
younger than 40.
● Breast cancer tends to be more aggressive locally, with a higher prevalence of
triple-negative cancers.
● Only 8 of 14 parishes currently offer mammography access.
These statistics underscore the critical importance of Sygnus’ support in funding screenings, advancing the acquisition of a new mammography machine and essential support services for women navigating diagnosis and recovery. Through initiatives like this, Sygnus aims to amplify awareness, encourage early detection, and empower women with hope, action, and access.
