Prostate cancer leading cause of cancer death in J'can men

In 2012, 688 men screened. … only 1% of total at-risk population

Yulit Gordon, Contributor

There is no denying that prostate cancer poses a significant medical problem for Jamaica. Prostate cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Jamaican adult males. Each year, the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) earmarks September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, the JCS takes the opportunity to increase awareness among Jamaicans of prostate cancer and the options that exist for early detection and treatment.

For 2012, we screened 688 men. This figure represents approximately one per cent of the total population at risk.

For this year, we would like to see this number significantly increased. We are, therefore, using this opportunity to make a public appeal to all Jamaican adult males, 40 years and over, and to the women who love them, to take advantage of the screening and public education opportunities being offered by the Cancer Society in September.

Under the theme 'Don't Procrastinate, Check Your Prostate', the 2013 planned programmes include:

Five per cent discount on prostate checks for the entire month of September.

Sunday, September 8, Medical Symposium at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel - 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (free of charge to the public).

Thursday, September 12, Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at the Jamaica Cancer Society. Live outside broadcasts, exhibits, giveaways, five per cent discount on prostate checks.

Friday, September 13, Gleaner supplement publication on prostate cancer.

Sunday, September 29, Medical Symposium, the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (free of charge to the public).

The Jamaica Cancer Society would like to thank the Jamaica Urological Society who has been partnering with us to host these medical symposiums over the years, and who are celebrating 20 years of service in Jamaica. Thanks, too, to the team at Cornwall Regional Hospital which is partnering with us to host the symposium in Montego Bay, and to Astra Zeneca for funding 30 prostate-specific antigen tests.

We continue to encourage Jamaicans to modify lifestyle practices to reduce risk factors through appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and eliminating tobacco use. Several studies have confirmed that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will have numerous health benefits, including minimising your risk of developing cancer.

Yulit Gordon is executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society.