More than 100 men present for free prostate cancer screening



[ad_1]

The Jamaica Cancer Society on Friday organized a free prostate cancer screening for the first 100 men who presented at its annual initiative to raise awareness and increase prostate cancer screening, especially among men who fear see their controlled body.

the Jamaica Observer asked some of the men who used the offer what their experience was.

A 56-year-old man said he had never done the test before because of what he now calls myths.

"I was on the road and I heard someone say that there was a test going on at the Jamaica Cancer Society, so I decided to let myself go and do it." test. I did not do it before, so I said let me try, even if I was running away, "said the first one who did not want to reveal his name.

"I did it and everything is fine, but I believed in the myth that I heard. A lot of things you hear about when you go for the test – I thought it was a lot harder, "he continued.

Michael Laughton, 77, said he brought his son to be tested.

"I came here chu mi son. I bring him, because if he does not have the strength, he will not be able to arrive here today, "he laughed.

Laughton, who is a member of the Jamaica Cancer Society, said he never feared the process and made sure to have his prostate checked every year.

"I was not scared, but the average man does not like men to check them out. They prefer to miss to check dem. It's stupid because it's a benefit to them, "Laughton said.

His son, Michael Laughton Jr., also denied the belief that so many men have this test.

"I would say to men, check! There is nothing to feel or annoy anyway. If this has to be done, it must be done. And if you can detect it quickly, there are ways to solve it and treat it.

Another regular like Laughton Sr, Ainsworth Searchwell, 50, said the options are simple, regardless of the test: life or premature death.

"It's about my fifth time now; I try to do it every year. My opinion is that you are doing it now and that you are living longer or not and that for the rest of your life you live in fear or pain, if and when you have prostate cancer . your family."

Shullian Brown, head of public relations and fundraising at the Jamaica Cancer Society, said that aside from fear, cost is another barrier to men screening.

"Many of our men too, when they come for screening, they are on a lower socio-economic scale and they can not afford it, so we do not turn them away from screening – that's why we collect funds".

She also encouraged men not to wait for free annual screenings, which cost $ 3,000.

"I just want people to remember that the Cancer Society is there all year long to do prostate cancer screening, so they do not have to wait for those days of awareness. We are throughout January to December. I am very happy that many men have been able to stay and get tested and realize that the myths that they heard, the reality is very different.

Junior Blackwood, 63, said the test had nothing to fear.

"It was good, nothing to fear; It is very important that men do the test. This is not the first time I do it. I'm not a regular, but I did it a few years ago, "Blackwood said.

Elkana Hayden, another newbie, said that he was among those who have never taken prostate cancer seriously.

"Well, I still do not know, but the reality is taken into account. General Management – We feel uncomfortable and fear certain things, like the process. But when they explain it and you talk about it, I think it is not as bad as I thought. So, it's good that we check ourselves. Early detection may mean longer life and late detection may mean earlier than the grave. I encourage every man to take this step and to do it. "

Jamaica has one of the highest prostate cancer death rates in the Caribbean, at 72.7 per 100,000 men. Prostate cancer has also been the leading cause of cancer deaths in Jamaica in the last 15 years.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include race, as Afro-Caribbean men are more likely to develop the disease, family history, a high-fat diet, obesity, and smoking. Possible symptoms of prostate cancer include poor or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination, especially at night, problems with urination, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or the painful sperm.

[ad_2]
Source link