More than 150 breast cancer awareness pins and 300 informational pamphlets were distributed, while 15 women were given the opportunity to access conference-sponsored mammograms as the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) Women’s Ministries Department, in collaboration with Health Ministries, took breast cancer awareness into the community through its October 2026 PINK IT! MONDAYS campaign.
Held under the theme “Turning Awareness Into Action—One Woman at a Time,” the four-week initiative focused on promoting breast health education, encouraging early detection, and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
A major highlight was the PINK IT! PIN IT! Breast Cancer Awareness Walk along Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town, on Monday, October 5. Conference staff and representatives from supporting departments visited gas stations, supermarkets, and other businesses, engaging customers, employees, and members of the public in conversations about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Representatives from CJC’s Women’s Ministries, Health Ministries, and supporting departments gather in the CJC HQ lobby with breast cancer awareness pamphlets following the PINK IT! PIN IT! awareness walk along Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town. :: Photo credit: Contributed.
The campaign continued with activities focused on practical support and breast health. On October 12, PINK IT! SURVIVOR’S LOVE brought a care gift, encouragement, and support to a breast cancer survivor. Representatives from Women’s Ministries and Health Ministries also shared in worship, prayer, and fellowship. On October 19, PINK IT! SCREEN IT! facilitated online applications for 15 conference-sponsored mammograms at HarborPoint Imaging and Diagnostic Centre and Precision Imaging Centre.
The final initiative, PINK IT! CHECK IT!, took place on October 26 during the CJC Open Day and Founders’ Day Celebration at the Conference Grounds. Precision Imaging Centre, under the leadership of Dr. Deria Cornwall, supported the initiative. Their team provided breast health information, counselling, and giveaways through an interactive Spin the Wheel activity. 10 participants were awarded sponsored mammograms at the facility.
Members of the Precision Imaging Centre team bring smiles and support to CJC’s Pink It! Check It! which coincided with the 65th anniversary Open Day Activities. :: Photo credit: Roxanne White
Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Immanuel Paul, Health Ministries Director, highlighted the value of combining health education and screening opportunities with personal and spiritual support.
“The programme’s strength was its connection of health education and opportunities for screening with compassionate personal support. Community outreach, sponsored mammograms, survivor visitation, prayer, care gifts, and activities expressed concern for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. These efforts brought information and encouragement into everyday settings while recognising the burdens that breast cancer places on individuals and families.”
For those involved in the outreach, the experience was a deeply personal reminder of the impact breast cancer has on individuals and families. Mrs. Rox-Anne McKoy-Chambers, Women’s Ministries Director, described the awareness walk as meaningful and eye-opening.
"The walk was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. Along the way, we encountered individuals who had lost family members to breast cancer, knew survivors, or were personally connected to someone currently battling the disease. These interactions reinforced the importance of education, early detection, compassion, and community support"
Alecia Mitchell, Bible School and Discipleship Coordinator, also reflected on the positive community response, recalling an encounter with a young woman whose mother has breast cancer.
"I was very moved by the overwhelmingly positive response from the community. It was eye-opening to see the men asking questions and getting involved. I was also struck by an engagement with a young lady whose mom has breast cancer. She explained that she always wanted one of the pins to wear in solidarity with her mom. She was moved to tears as we embraced and prayed for her."
Following the campaign, local churches across the Central Jamaica Conference are encouraged to organise awareness walks, distribute educational materials, support survivors, promote screening, and identify practical ways to serve individuals and families affected by breast cancer.