Barbados Cancer Society Reports Increase in Prostate Cancer Screenings among Men: Emphasis on Early Detection Grows

As cancer prevalence rises in Barbados and emphasis on early detection and screening intensifies, the Barbados Cancer Society (BCS) has revealed more men are coming forward for prostate cancer screening.

Michelle Straughn, the BCS’s walk manager, told Barbados TODAY: “We’re doing all we can to ensure the word is out there.”

“As [the Society’s President] Professor [David] Rosen has said, prostate cancer is probably the number one cancer afflicting males here in Barbados and the Caribbean. And we’re fairly high in terms of the numbers. But the good thing is that more people are coming forward.”

She spoke on the sidelines of Sunday’s Barbados Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, now in its second year, highlighting advancements in testing and the importance of early screening.

“There was a study done last year or the year before,” Straughn said. It’s becoming more of a global phenomenon. Well, certainly for prostate cancer, you can now do a blood test which tests your PSA levels. But screening can’t end there.

“Once that level is raised, you may need more invasive tests. But certainly, you can now do the blood tests. And that helps you understand where your levels are.”

DNA testing has been introduced to help individuals understand their genetic predisposition to prostate cancer.

Straughn said: “We’ve also been doing a DNA test here in Barbados. That helps people understand where their genes… where it resides in their genes. And that test has been done in Barbados. It’s probably the first place in the world that it has been done. The tests are sent to the US for screening.

“And it’s at a reduced price of $200, which is very good. We’ve gotten it at a reduced price. And we’re asking people, you know, if your family had any members who had prostate cancer, you certainly need to test early. And if you feel your family line has any cancer, again, you can test and do the DNA test. And that helps.”

Regarding men’s willingness to come forward for testing, the Cancer Society official noted positive trends. “Yes, I think the awareness is getting out there. And more men have been coming out to be tested.”

Sunday’s walk has been hailed as a major success, with over 2 000 registered participants taking part. Changes were also made to the route to accommodate different participants’ preferences. Whereas last year there was one route, the walk manager explained some members of the public called for a run in addition to the walk, and this time, the run was added along a separate route.

“So we’re very, very happy to see the response,” Straughn said. “And we know that next year will be better because we have bigger and better plans for next year, maybe with many more activities on the day. Listen out for it.”