Barbados Cancer Support Services (CSS) is reporting an increase in the number of younger men choosing to be screened for prostate cancer.

CSS Executive Director Jan Lynton told Barbados TODAY that although she was unable to give numbers, she noticed that during the last screening for prostate specific antigen (PSA ) almost two months ago, and screening today, there has been an increase in the number of men as young as 35 coming for the test.

Speaking at today’s screening at the charity secretariat, Dayrells Road, Christ Church, Lynton said development should be seen as a benefit given that for many years CSS has encouraged men to present themselves for screening from an early age.

“And we are seeing new people coming in. We found out that maybe a friend would send it by Whatsapp to encourage another friend and this is how we see more men coming in groups. So overall we’re thankful that in the midst of all that has happened, men can still be proactive in taking care of their health.

“We would just love for Barbados companies to engage with their male staff and see what they can do, if they can do it for them as a special or if they can give back to the staff and let the men come and do the screening. ,” she said.

To coincide with CSS’s 25th anniversary, the charity gave five men a free screening today. The screening started at 10 a.m. and in less than an hour, more than 80 people had already registered.

“We would like to thank all the media who helped us get this message across. And all the men who have come so far, we want to thank them, ”Lynton said.

The executive director also said that the results of the latest tests carried out seven weeks ago showed that of the 170 men screened, about 15 returned high, which Lynton said is not an immediate indication that these people have prostate cancer.

“Because it says high doesn’t mean cancer. It could be an infection; it can be so many different things. So the elevation means they can see their doctor and ask for a further examination, ”Lynton said.

Lynton thanked Ensure, Bajan Pure, McBride and Armstrong Agency for donating items for the gift bags given to those who were screened today. She also thanked Massy Stores and Ensure for providing tents that men can sit under while socially distancing themselves outside, before heading inside to be examined.

She said: “The next PSA will be in six weeks. We are celebrating 25 years and I can say that if Barbados businesses could donate at least $ 20 it would go a long way. We just had a “Hearts to Share, Hands to Care” concert and this concert was a virtual concert and we are asking people to donate to Cancer Support so that we can help others because every day someone is coming. help us. So please help Cancer Support Services, we need your help. We need your help. We know it’s a tough time for most businesses, but you can get it back on your taxes ”. (Ah)

Read our ePaper. Quickly. Factual. Release.

Sign up and stay up to date with Barbados FREE latest news.