Face your prostate cancer fears.... Dr Belinda Morrison says prostate cancer is the leading cancer in Jamaica. With a death rate of 63.9 per 100,000 men in the population, and an incidence rate of 78.1 per 100,000 men,

FOR many, prostate cancer is still shrouded in some amount of uncertainty, but one thing is definite, early detection is the key to reducing the death rate associated with the condition that has many men cowering in fear.
(PHOTOS: COURTESY JAMAICA CANCER SOCIETY)
According to consultant urologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies and head of urology at the University of the West Indies, Dr Belinda Morrison, prostate cancer is the leading cancer in Jamaica. With a death rate of 63.9 per 100,000 men in the population, and an incidence rate of 78.1 per 100,000 men, according to information obtained from the Jamaica Cancer Society based on a study conducted by the University of the West Indies between 2003 and 2007 for Kingston and St Andrew, the fears of being diagnosed are not entirely unfounded.
However, Dr Morrison told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview that, with no definitive way of preventing the condition, early detection is key to managing prostate cancer.
"It has been proven that, if a man presents early for prostate cancer, if he is screened, then you can reduce the death rate from the disease," Dr Morrison shared.
Prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, is "cancer that occurs in the man's prostate -- a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms". The prostate surrounds the urethra and is located in front of the rectum and under the bladder.
The Jamaica Cancer Society does screening for prostate cancer and charges $2,000 for the blood test, the PSA and the private consultation with the urologist to have the digital rectal examinination done. However in the last three years, the cancer society has averaged an annual screening total of 600 men. more

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