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Advanced Technology Gives Big Boost to Jamaica’s Breast Cancer Testing Capabilities

Writer's picture: SERHASERHA

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, January 16, 2025: Jamaica has strengthened its diagnostic capacity with the recommissioning of a new immunohistochemistry (IHC) machine for advanced breast cancer testing. Available at the National Public Health Laboratory, the machine being commissioned, the Ventana, not only helps in confirming a cancer diagnosis but also supports prognosis and treatment by providing invaluable information about

the origin and characteristics of the cancer, which is critical for personalising patient treatment plans.


“The Ventana will enable our laboratory professionals to perform analyses with greater speed, sensitivity, and specificity. This improves the service delivery offered within the public health system by bolstering our testing capacity and turnaround time,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, during an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).


Notably, Jamaica is the first Caribbean country to offer local immunohistochemistry testing. “It means that patients won’t have to pursue resources overseas and incur expensive costs to access this critical technology,” the Minister continued.


The commissioning of the Ventana is the result of a three-year project investment by Roche Caribbean valuing USD$362,875.00. The figure represents costs for installation, maintenance and contributions in test reagents, with additional resources provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.


Roche, a leader in biotechnology, offers differentiated medicines in cancer treatments, distinguishing itself in histological diagnosis of cancer and innovations in breast cancer treatment. Now renewed, its partnership with Jamaica dates back to 2015.


Noting the company’s vested interests in improving cancer care, Alvaro Soto, General Manager of Roche for the Caribbean, Central America, and Venezuela highlighted its commitment to health innovations for early, comprehensive disease management.

“Accurate diagnosis is essential for making personalised treatment decisions tailored to each patient. Acting quickly is critical to treating diseases in their early stages and bringing patients closer to a cure,” Mr. Soto explained.


Roche’s partnership will allow for optimised breast cancer testing and diagnosis in Jamaica and improvement in the quality of tumor tissue samples collected.

“We recognise the trust and openness of the Ministry of Health and Wellness to work on this Public-Private Partnership, and we are excited about this step that strengthens our collaboration to ensure Jamaica remains at the forefront of precision diagnostics, guiding the personalised management of breast cancer,” the Roche boss added.


Breast Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. In 2022, an estimated 1,327 new cases of breast cancer were recorded in Jamaica, according to the Global Cancer Observatory, along with an estimated 684 breast cancer deaths. It is projected that 1 in 21 Jamaican women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.


Already in place are plans for training and education of staff in use of the IHC machine and preventive and corrective maintenance to ensure its optimal functioning. This forms part of the latest provisions embedded in the Ministry’s new Medical Equipment Management Policy that addresses equipment maintenance issues affecting health service delivery.




Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, MP takes a keen look at the Ventana, the new immunohistochemistry machine (IHC) commissioned at the National Pubic Health Laboratory on Wednesday (January 16). The IHC machine has the capability to diagnose and treat breast cancer with extraordinary precision. Looking on are Dr. Marlene Tapper (right), Director, Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health and Wellness and Mr. Juan Cruz (left), Disease Area Strategy Director, Roche Caribbean, Central America and Venezuela. 
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, MP takes a keen look at the Ventana, the new immunohistochemistry machine (IHC) commissioned at the National Pubic Health Laboratory on Wednesday (January 16). The IHC machine has the capability to diagnose and treat breast cancer with extraordinary precision. Looking on are Dr. Marlene Tapper (right), Director, Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health and Wellness and Mr. Juan Cruz (left), Disease Area Strategy Director, Roche Caribbean, Central America and Venezuela. 


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