September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Our Today has conducted a series of interviews with men of various ages and backgrounds to ask them one question: Do you fear getting your prostate checked?

For many men, the fear of prostate cancer is quite real, often stemming from a combination of personal health concerns and a lack of understanding about the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and while advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes, the fear of a potential diagnosis can be overwhelming. Many men grapple with uncertainty, worrying about the impact on their quality of life, the side effects of treatments, and the potential for the disease to become life-threatening. 

This anxiety is compounded by a societal tendency to downplay or avoid discussions about men’s health issues, which can leave individuals feeling isolated and unsure about how to manage their fears. In Jamaica, there is also the added element of internalised homophobia that has plagued the island for centuries—as the examination of the anus is considered a no-go zone to some and, in their opinion, borders on buggery.

In 2020, Jamaica had 1,561 new cases of prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer is available through digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen blood test.

Our Today wanted to find out if men are still apprehensive about getting their prostates checked while informing them of the importance and value of the procedure.

Here are the responses given:

Teddy, 60

“Nuh boy nah push dem hand weh it nuffi go pon mi—I’m a serious, man when it comes down to that. I have never checked mine physically, I get the blood test done…I don’t play those games.

“You’re not going to come feel me up to find out if I have anything. I take care of myself and eat foods that protect and support the prostate. I also exercise daily. It alright where it’s at.”

Craig, 35

“I am not ignorant of the fact that this is a very important medical procedure intended to screen for irregularities to help me live a long and healthy life.

“But I can’t help but think it is borderline buggery. To be penetrated by another person would strip me of my masculinity. That would be a traumatic experience and I’m not particularly fond of inflicting such damage to myself.”

Cooke, 38

“No, I don’t. The mindset of Jamaican men is very off-putting at times. Because of the nature of the procedure and homophobia being rooted in our culture, men tend to steer away from getting it done. Prostate cancer is a leading killer for men.

“Jamaican men say, ‘me prefer dead, than mek a man finga me’. That’s very sad, to be honest. To make matters more bizarre, they sometimes say that they would prefer a woman to do it, like that changes the nature of the procedure.”

Maurice, 25

“Honestly, no. I would prefer it to be a female doctor… and I don’t really want a male doctor to be fiddling around my anus 🙂.”

Morgan, 39

“Prostate — it can be life-threatening, so being in the know is always better when it comes to any sickness.

“I wouldn’t say I have a fear of it being checked. It’s more like a preference of who is going to conduct the check.”

Omar, 34

“No, not really. My reason is simply that life, through loss, has taught me to spare effort when it comes to health.

“However, I will experience some hesitation being someone who’d prefer to not be medically violated.”

Kenneth, 40

“I’m not afraid to get my prostate checked and would embrace the procedure since one of my grandfathers died from a prostate-related condition.”

Jahmier, 32

“I would do it if my life depended on it.

“One time and one time only.”

DJ, 33

“I don’t have a fear of checking my prostate for the sole fact that knowing what the hell is happening inside me is important.

“There may be some discomfort with the method but other than that I’m okay with checking it.”

Greg, 34

“No fear concerning a prostate exam, to be honest. And my reason is that cancer claimed my mother. We found out late and by that point, it had spread to multiple organs. That circumstance has stuck with me ever since so I take screening very seriously.

“A few seconds of discomfort is more than a good trade-off to safeguard my health and well-being. I intend to get checked as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”

Donovan, 45

“Yes, I fear getting my prostate checked. The main reason is what the diagnosis may mean. If the results aren’t good, what effect will it have on my already tumultuous life? How will it affect me mentally and physically? Sitting and waiting to die is a whole lot different than getting up and dying.

“The results could be good. But life or karma, whatever you call it, seldom favours me. So I would be happier not knowing. It’s messed up but true.

“The other reason, though less significant, is the physical check for it and the delicate virginal innocence of my anus. The stories don’t help in quieting this concern.”

Wallace, 59

“For me, I don’t have an issue with, testing my prostate. Males are afraid of doing it, but, I don’t think about anything sexual when I’m doing that. I don’t know if other people think that way.

“I don’t think that way, so it doesn’t affect me. I just think that I’m getting that medical done. And my mind is set on a medical, so I don’t know how that would affect me. Furthermore, I don’t know what it feels like to be aroused in anyway anally. So I would not have a problem thinking I may get aroused as I’m being tested for my prostate through my inner.”

In the end…

Most of the responders concluded that there was no real fear of getting the test done, though they noted that it would be a little uncomfortable for them physically. There is still some apprehension about having a male conduct the exam, but I am happy to report that no male I interviewed gave me an outright ‘No’.

While Teddy said “Nuh boy nah push dem hand weh it nuffi go ‘pon mi”, he was, however, open to the blood test (a win is a win).

But with that, it is important to note that the blood test is not without error. A biopsy is needed to determine if cancer is present or not.

According to medicalnewstoday.com, a prostate biopsy is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose prostate cancer. However, because it is an invasive procedure, other screening methods are used first. Some tests may be carried out by your general practitioner when you first go to them with concerns.

So, in honour of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, encouragement for men 40 and over, or those having symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty peeing, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, weak urine flow, and many more, to get their prostate exams done regularly.

The prostate exam usually lasts a minute or less, so cheers to bravery and mind over matter!

Cheers to good health!