Scores of men screened for prostate cancer

SCORES OF men, aged 40 and over, gathered at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on September 24 for a special health fair focused on prostate cancer screening.

The event was organised by the Westmoreland Health Department, in partnership with MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation, and formed part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month activities, aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Jamaica.

The attendees had the opportunity to participate in various health checks, including the Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test and digital rectal exams, which are crucial for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages.

Additionally, the participants were offered general health services, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks. Electrocardiograms, foot care services, and dental cleanings were also provided for a more holistic approach to men’s health.

Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, said there is a positive shift in men’s attitude towards prostate cancer screening, particularly the digital rectal examination.

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“The men are gravitating towards it. I’ve seen that in recent times there’s been incremental changes. They usually scoff at it and become very resentful of it, but now we are seeing that they are embracing it, because they are asking for it,” Miller said.

He added that this shift is a testament to years of consistent outreach efforts by the country’s health organisations, including the MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation.

Over the past nine years, the foundation has spearheaded a wide range of education and awareness campaigns throughout Westmoreland. For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, however, the entity has visited schools, government offices, and churches to engage the people about prostate cancer.

Chairman of the MistyBlue Cancer Care Foundation in Westmoreland, Dorothy Satchwell, indicated that women were also welcomed to the health fair, although not for screenings.

“We invited the women to come, not for the screening but for the information, because it’s usually the woman who is responsible for the cooking and stuff for the family. So, they will get the information in terms of how to go about preparing an economical, balanced meal,” Satchwell explained.

The health fair featured participating organisations such as the National Health Fund, Courts Optical, the Registrar General’s Department, National Housing Trust, and Rural Agricultural Development Authority, among others.

Resident, Odane Smith, who attended the event, pointed out the importance of regular health check-ups for men. He urged fellow men in Westmoreland and across Jamaica to be proactive about their health, as early detection can make a significant difference.

“The earlier you know for some [illness], it is easier for you to deal with it,” he said.