JCS Calls for Stronger Action to Address Prostate Cancer

The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) is calling for the enforcement of legislation that addresses the main modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on August 26, Executive Director of the Jamaica Cancer Society, Mrs. Yulit Gordon, noted that the risk factors include physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, exposure to second hand smoke and unhealthy diet.

“All these main modifiable risk factors are linked to mortality and morbidity,” Mrs. Gordon said.

She pointed out that as a member of the Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC),the JCS was a part of the voice that championed the cause for the ban on smoking in public places.

Mrs. Gordon said the partners within the Ministry of Health and the JCTC are now in the process of sensitizing the various industries, community groups and members of civil society about the impact and the benefits of the legislation.

She noted that the JCS is already partnering with the National Health Fund (NHF) to do community outreach across the island.

“Deeper collaboration is taking place and from these conversations, we would like to see new legislation, like mandatory screening, in place,” the Executive Director said.

She indicated that the JCS would also like to see a return to mandatory Physical Education in all schools.

Meanwhile, as the country prepares to observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month during September, the JCS is encouraging all men between 40 and 75 years of age to make use of all the opportunities that will become available to them throughout the month, such as screening; one-on-one sessions with a Urologist to discuss concerns; and access to counselling and support, which is provided by the JCS through its network of counsellors.

In addition to these activities, the JCS will provide prostate cancer screening on Wednesday, September 17, at the Mandeville Parish Church; screening and health talks at the JCS on Lady Musgrave Road, in Kingston, on September 18; a public forum and screening at the Jamaica Conference Centre, on September 21; and screening on September 29, at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, in Sam Sharpe Square.