Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative in Nevis Island

Leading the Charge

Dr. Dwayne Thwaites will lead a team of six doctors, along with other healthcare professionals and volunteers from the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Ministry of Health and Gender Affairs, in the prostate cancer screening initiative.

Screening Process

Specialists Dr. Brian Cohen and Dr. Daniel Caruso, urologists with Urology Associates, detailed the screening process during a press conference on Thursday, January 16.

What to Expect

Dr. Caruso explained, “It’s a two-step process. It involves getting a blood draw, which is a relatively easy step, and then a quick physical examination. It is a rectal examination. We’re very careful and sensitive to the fact that it is uncomfortable. We maintain everyone’s privacy when they come in. And what’s good about the exam is you’re told in that moment where you stand.”

The procedure will be performed in a private area where the doctor will spend a few moments with the patient, answer a few questions, and do the quick exam, which is not painful, preserving dignity and privacy through the process.

Why Participate

Dr. Cohen emphasized the simplicity and importance of participating in the screening, pointing out that Afro-Caribbean men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than any other population of men in the world.

“All you have to do is show up on Saturday, stand in line for a couple of minutes. Takes two to three seconds to have your prostate exam, quick blood draw, and then you’re out the door,” he said.

The Importance of Early Detection

“I think the big message is that prostate cancer, when it is treatable, does not cause any symptoms. So, just because you feel good [you] could have prostate cancer right now at this moment in time. It’s not something that we are able to detect without doing the rectal examination and without the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test,” he said.

He advised men in their late 30’s with familial prostate cancer to begin prostate screening before the age of 40.

Conclusion

The prostate cancer screening initiative is an important step in addressing the high risk of prostate cancer in Afro-Caribbean men. By participating in the screening, men can take control of their health and detect any potential issues early on.