Senator Thompson implores Jamaican men to screen early for prostate cancer amid rise in cases

Government Senator and consultant urologist Dr Elon Thompson is imploring Jamaican men to take their health seriously and in particular to get screened early for prostate cancer. Thompson made the call during Friday’s sitting of the Senate where he pointed to the last Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey which he remarked, “gives us reason for concern”. According to the survey, only about 28 per cent of Jamaican men aged 40 years and older reported ever having had a digital rectal examination.

Only 5.1 per cent reported being referred by a healthcare professional for a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, screening test. And only 1.9 per cent reported actually having done a PSA test. “Those numbers tell us that awareness alone is not enough.

We can tell men repeatedly that prostate cancer is dangerous. But unless that information results in a man actually checking his health, we have not achieved the outcome we need,” said Thompson. He said meeting men where they are was important.

Thompson, who is Head of the Urology Department at the Spanish Town Hospital, voiced support for the ‘Blue Stop Series’, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and which was scheduled to kick-off today and run until October 8. He noted portfolio Minister Olivia Grange speaking about the series at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, stating that it was “particularly relevant as we observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”. Thompson highlighted that the Blue Stop Series moves from announcement to action with its launch and health and wellness check at the Ministry’s offices at 4-6 Trafalgar Road today.

“I welcome initiatives that bring healthcare closer to our men, because one of our greatest challenges is not simply treating prostate cancer. It is getting Jamaican men to engage the healthcare system before they become ill. The Blue Stop Series carries a simple but important message: “Man, Yuh Health Matters!” Thompson said it was important that the series does not focus on prostate cancer alone as men attending will have access to blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing, PSA testing and body mass index assessment, together with education and support.

“That broader approach is important because men’s health cannot be addressed one disease at a time.