Dr. Douglas, a medical doctor by profession, is encouraging Kittitian and Nevisian men to get their prostate checked at least once per year. He said, “Between the years 2002 to 2005, nine, (9), men died of prostate cancer here in St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2006 – 2009, another 15 died. We have to stop this rise and we must stop it now and the men of this federation are going to be the key where this battle is concerned.”
It is the view of the Prime Minister that, “Everybody knows that there are aspects to the examination you will not like but however strange you may find the examination, which we call in the medical field, the digital examination, no physical examination can begin to compare with the pain, confusion and trauma of serious illness. If it is of any comfort, just remind yourselves that all men get this procedure done, not only you. And even your doctor, if your doctor is male, he undergoes the very same procedure conducted by someone else. So forget about being macho, get your digital done at least when it is required. Forget about what you do or do not like. Stand up, step forward, protect yourself, prolong your life, avoid pain and suffering in a smart way.”
“No matter what is happening in the broader world…we simply cannot accept rising cancer rates as normal. They have been rising here for sure but we must work together to bend that curve through new attitudes, new lifestyles and of course, new technologies,” said Douglas.
According to medical reports, Prostate cancer occurs in a man’s prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
It is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Prostate cancer that is detected early when it’s still confined to the prostate gland has a better chance of successful treatment.