Spreading Awareness About Prostate Cancer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More and more Bahamian men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but for some, the diagnosis comes too late. OurNEWS has partnered with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas to help spread awareness and get more Bahamian men tested.

Kyle Walkine has the story.

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of death among men in The Bahamas.

Wendell Barry leads the Bahamian chapter of “Us Too”, an international group raising awareness about prostate cancer. Barry says prostate cancer is a silent killer, as many men are diagnosed too late.

This is why there is an even greater need for testing and early detection. The universal recommendation is to begin testing at age 40. However, Barry says earlier is better, especially if there is a history of cancer in the family.

Between 2004 and 2015, fewer than 6,000 men received some sort of prostate screening or exam.

Cancer Society of The Bahamas administrator Errin Storr says although more women seek help and support while in their cancer battle, there are some men as well.

Testing is available through The Bahamas Cancer Society.

OurNEWS is recognizing no-shave November to raise awareness, encouraging men to put down the clippers for the month of November, and donate to cancer-related causes.

This month, all the money donated is going directly to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas to help with the work it does within our community.

To get involved you can go to www.cancersocietybahamas.org and click the tab that says donate. If you have to stay clean-shaven for work, that’s no problem. Feel free to donate the equivalent of what you’d spend at your barber to the cause.