On a Thursday in 2026, more than 150 men assembled at Belize’s Civic Center for an unprecedented health forum that set out to dismantle long-standing cultural barriers keeping men from accessing life-saving medical care. Unlike many routine awareness events, this gathering dove headfirst into the uncomfortable, often unspoken issues of fear, social stigma and pervasive silence that prevent men from seeking preventive health services across the country.
Organized by the Belize Cancer Society and a coalition of partner health organizations, the day featured open, unfiltered conversations spanning four core areas of men’s health: routine prostate cancer screening, mental health support, balanced nutrition, and consistent primary care. The event centered much of its discussion on the digital rectal exam, a gold-standard annual screening recommended for all men over the age of 40, which remains one of the most avoided preventive tests among Belizean men due to widespread discomfort and embarrassment.
Dr. Irvin Gabourel, a presenter at the forum, walked attendees through a newer, far less intimidating alternative screening method designed to reduce patient anxiety. While explaining the technicalities of updated screening protocols proved straightforward, healthcare organizers emphasized that the greatest challenge to improving early detection rates remains convincing men to book and attend their screenings in the first place.
Dr. Claudina Cayetano, a mental health advisor with the Pan American Health Organization, traced this persistent reluctance to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs about masculinity. “From childhood, men are taught they must always be strong, they must be the protector for their families,” Cayetano explained to the crowd. “Seeking help makes them feel like they are admitting weakness, like they are being vulnerable. But our core message today is this: a strong man seeks help. A strong man prioritizes his health by getting checked up.”
Leading the call for action among attendees was Earl Jones, a cancer survivor and former CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, who shared his personal battle with the disease to inspire other men to act proactively. “If you haven’t been prioritizing your health until now, there is no better time than today to start,” Jones said. “Cancer is not something to take lightly. It robs you of your savings, your quality of life, and ultimately it takes your life if it’s caught too late.”
Following the event, the Belize Cancer Society reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting men across the country, noting that its team of health advisors is always available to answer questions, connect men to screening services, and provide support at every stage of their health journey. For audiences interested in hearing full interviews and additional insights from the forum, local outlet News Five announced it will feature extended coverage of the event during its 6 p.m. newscast the same evening.