Annual prostate screening clinic is on Saturday

The annual prostate cancer screening clinic, organized by the Antigua Lion’s Club
in collaboration with urologist, Dr. Dwayne Thwaites and Associates, takes place
on Saturday at the Lion’s Den in St. John’s.
Health and Social Services Chairperson of the Lion’s Club, Katrina Edwards said
the event is helpful, as it is the Club’s contribution in dealing with the issue of
prostate cancer. Studies have shown that early detection often leads to early
medical intervention and better outcomes.
She noted that the clinic is open to men 40 years old and older, as that is the
recommended age the medical fraternity has advised that screening should begin.
Last year, approximately 884 men were examined as part of the screening.
Edwards said the expectation is that this figure could surpass the one-thousand
mark this year.
She added that those participating in the clinic this year will be asked to contribute
$30.00 to help cover the expenses associated with the event. The gates at the
Lion’s Den will open at 6:00 am with registration which will run from 7:00 am to
11:00 am.
The screenings begin at 8:00 am.
The annual prostate screening started in 2007 as the brainchild of Dr. Thwaites
who felt that early detection would, over time, reduce the number of deaths due to
prostate cancer.
The disease affects black men at a rate higher than men of other races, and the
Caribbean has one of the world's highest incidences of prostate cancer.