Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Jamaica. Many patients are surprised to learn that modern breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are available locally, including advanced imaging, biopsy techniques, sentinel lymph node biopsy, targeted therapy, genetic testing, and breast reconstruction.
This guide explains where and how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated in Jamaica, particularly at major centres such as the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) and Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival, so understanding the available services can help patients seek care quickly and confidently.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Jamaica
Breast cancer diagnosis usually involves breast imaging followed by biopsy confirmation.
Breast Imaging Tests
Several imaging tests are available in Jamaica.
Mammogram
X-ray of the breast used to detect:
Breast lumps
Suspicious calcifications
Early breast cancers
Used for both screening and diagnosis (Assistance to pay for the cost of this test privately is available through the NHF see article for more information)
Breast Ultrasound
Helps doctors:
Distinguish cysts from solid lumps
Evaluate palpable masses
Guide biopsies
Often performed with mammography
Breast MRI
Provides highly detailed imaging
Used for:
Complex breast cancers
Dense breasts
Surgical planning
High-risk patients
This is available at Oasis ImagingÂ
CT Scan
Used to:
Determine if cancer has spread
Stage advanced breast cancer
Plan treatment
Breast Biopsy in Jamaica
A biopsy is required to confirm breast cancer.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Fine needle aspiration:
Uses a thin needle
Collects cells for analysis
Minimally invasive
Core Needle Biopsy
Core biopsy:
Removes small tissue samples
More accurate than FNA
Standard diagnostic method
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic biopsy uses mammogram guidance to precisely target abnormal areas.
This service is available at UHWI, allowing diagnosis of:
Small tumors
Microcalcifications
Non-palpable lesions
Breast Cancer Surgeons in Jamaica
Breast cancer surgery in Jamaica is performed by both dedicated breast surgeons, surgical oncologists and general surgeons.
Dr. Jason Copeland – Breast Surgeon
Provides:
Breast cancer surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Breast-conserving surgery
Mastectomy
Breast reconstruction
Dr. Copeland also operates a breast clinic at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), improving access to specialized breast cancer care within the public healthcare system.
He performs both cancer surgery and breast reconstruction, allowing patients to receive complete surgical care from a single surgeon.
Dr. Stephanie Lyew – Breast Surgeon
Provides:
Breast cancer surgery
Breast-conserving surgery
Mastectomy
Tumor localization using Magseed technology
Magseed allows surgeons to accurately locate small tumors during surgery.
Dr. Patrick Roberts – Surgical Oncologist
Provides:
Breast cancer surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Cancer staging procedures
As a surgical oncologist, Dr. Roberts treats multiple cancer types including breast cancer.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Jamaica
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
This technique reduces the need for full lymph node removal and lowers the risk of lymphedema (arm swelling).
Radiotracer Sentinel Node Detection
Radioactive tracer can be used ensuring accurate localization of the sentinel node with the use of a special Gamma probe. The radioactive tracer is usually administered the day before or on the day of surgery.
Available with:
Benefits include:
Accurate node identification
Smaller surgery
Lower complication rates
Methylene Blue
Blue dyes such as methylene blue have been used for many years to identify the sentinel lymph node. This is available in both the public and private system and used by many surgeons. This can also be combined with the radiotracer to improve identification.Â
Magseed Localization Technology
Magseed is a magnetic localization system used to identify small breast tumors during surgery.
Available with:
Magseed allows:
Precise tumor localization
Improved breast-conserving surgery
Smaller surgical incisions
Breast Cancer Medication in Jamaica
Herceptin (Trastuzumab)
Herceptin is a targeted therapy used for HER2-positive breast cancer.
In Jamaica:
Herceptin is available in the public and private healthcare system
It significantly improves survival rates
Patients must undergo HER2 receptor testing to determine eligibility.
In the public system it is available free of cost to patients who meet certain criteria.
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Genetic testing is available in Jamaica for inherited breast cancer risk.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing
BRCA testing can identify inherited risk for:
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Testing is available locally, and is subsidised by the NHF see article for more information. This has also recently become available in the public system at the Kingston Public Hospital to certain patients.
Advanced Genetic Testing
More extensive genetic panels are available by sending samples overseas.
These tests may identify additional hereditary cancer syndromes.
Genetic testing may help guide:
Treatment decisions
Preventive surgery
Family screening
Available with Dr. Patrick Roberts and with Dr. Sheray Chin.
Breast Reconstruction in Jamaica
Breast reconstruction is available locally after mastectomy.
Options include:
Immediate reconstruction
Delayed reconstruction
Implant reconstruction
Tissue reconstruction
Dr. Jason Copeland performs breast reconstruction procedures, allowing patients to receive cancer surgery and reconstruction as part of a single treatment plan.
Other surgeons may work with plastic surgeons when reconstruction is required.
What Many Patients Do Not Know
Many Jamaicans believe they must travel overseas for breast cancer treatment.
However, Jamaica offers:
- Mammograms and breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI and CT scanning
- Fine needle and core biopsy
- Stereotactic biopsy at UHWI
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Radiotracer technology
- Magseed tumor localization
- Herceptin treatment
- BRCA genetic testing
- Breast reconstruction surgery
- Specialized breast clinic at Kingston Public Hospital
You can see one of these specialist or a General Surgeon to manage this issue:Â
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical evaluation urgently if you notice:
A breast lump
Breast swelling
Skin dimpling
Nipple discharge
Nipple inversion
Persistent breast pain
Enlarged lymph nodes
Early detection saves lives.
