The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has stepped up its prostate cancer screening and education drive across southern Jamaica, providing hundreds of free tests to men in Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month activities.

Acting Non-Communicable Diseases and Family Health Coordinator at the SRHA, Dr Carol Hamilton, said the effort is aimed at breaking down barriers to screening while dispelling misinformation that prevents men from seeking care.

“All men 40 years and over should screen for prostate cancer,” Dr Hamilton stressed, noting that early detection can save lives by improving treatment outcomes and reducing financial and psychological burdens on families.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland. Health professionals typically use two main screening tests: the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), which allows doctors to manually assess the size, shape and texture of the prostate for lumps or hardened areas; and the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures levels of a protein produced by the prostate that can indicate cancer risk. A biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis.

Dr Hamilton explained that part of the SRHA’s push is addressing myths surrounding these procedures.

“We have been increasing our health education in our health centres, addressing the signs, the symptoms, the different tests available and dispelling some of the myths that are out there surrounding prostate cancer and screening,” she said.

She added that screenings are not limited to health facilities. “We also go into the workplace, meet the men where they are and offer free prostate cancer screening. Also, when we are on the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign, we provide prostate cancer screenings free of cost,” she added.

Dr Hamilton urged men to overcome hesitation, stressing that catching the disease early makes a significant difference.

“Early detection has better outcomes, you will experience less psychological impact, less financial burden on you and your family. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men, so early detection, getting screened, will save lives,” she said.

Although September is marked as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Hamilton said the SRHA’s efforts continue year-round. Men can access prostate cancer testing at health centres and hospitals once they have a requisition from a doctor. She also encouraged men to apply for the National Health Fund (NHF) card, which offers subsidies on the cost of testing.

The intensified push has already seen successful collaborations across the southern parishes. In Manchester, screenings were held in partnership with the Southern Parks and Market, a senior citizens’ group, and the SRHA Regional Office, leading to scores of men being tested.

In Clarendon, the SRHA worked with the Chapelton Community Hospital, the Cumberland Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the New Yarmouth Distillery to provide screening. In St Elizabeth, sessions are scheduled for the Santa Cruz Health Centre and the Black River Hospital.

By bringing free screening and education into communities, workplaces, and churches, the SRHA says it is determined to ensure more men are tested, more cases are detected early, and more lives are saved.