In a significant stride towards community health, approximately 200 men in Westmoreland, Jamaica, participated in a free prostate cancer screening event on September 25. Hosted by the Misty Blue Cancer Care Foundation at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, the event marked the organization’s 10th anniversary of delivering vital health services in the parish. The initiative was widely praised for its accessibility and role in promoting early detection of prostate cancer, a critical factor in improving health outcomes. Participants, including Norman Cole from Negril, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the tests, which included the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams (DRE). Cole emphasized the cost savings and the thorough follow-up care provided by the Foundation. Victor Sangster of Chantilly Gardens underscored the importance of such events in a region where access to screening remains limited, noting the tragic loss of friends to prostate cancer due to late diagnoses. Joshua Grey commended the staff’s professionalism and the additional health checks, such as blood pressure and sugar level assessments. Dorothy Satchwell, Founder and Chair of the Foundation, shared the organization’s mission to advance community health, rooted in her personal cancer experience. The event, supported by partners like the Westmoreland Health Department and the Sandals Foundation, also included educational sessions on follow-up care and holistic health checks. Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, stressed the importance of early detection and the Foundation’s efforts to encourage health-seeking behaviors among men. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven health programs in combating prostate cancer and improving overall well-being.
200 men turn out for prostate tests at Misty Blue Cancer Care screening drive in Westmoreland
