One of the features of a four-mile walk, which promoted awareness of the growing number of prostate cancer cases in Anguilla, and the need for early detection and treatment, was the solidarity shown by women who rallied at the side of the men several days ago.
The walk was from the grounds of the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium to Corito (and back), on Thursday, September 25. The event, organised by the Anguilla Cancer Society in collaboration with the Health Promotion Department, was sponsored mainly by the Anguilla Electricity Company to the tune of almost EC$17,000.
Mrs Jennifer Gumbs, President of the Cancer Society and Senior Health Educator, commented on the prostate awareness walk. “I was very pleased with the turnout,” she stated. “We had between 200 and 250 persons in attendance, notwithstanding the inclement weather. We were very happy that many of our men came out and heeded the appeal for Prostate Cancer Month – Men, don’t procrastinate: check that prostate. No one fights alone.
“We are aware that men are reluctant to see the doctor so sometimes they need a push from the women. We were therefore delighted to see the large number of women at their side. Some of them were their wives; some their working colleagues and others their friends.”
Mrs Gumbs continued: “ANGLEC sponsored the PSA tests for the men, the billboard, the walk and the refreshments – as well as some trinkets such as the prostate cancer pins and bands and so on. Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in the region, and in Anguilla the disease is roughly 6.5 times that of breast cancer. So, from the statistics from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, it is the leading cancer in Anguilla. That is why we are pushing its awareness even more than breast cancer.
“Our women go to have their mammograms done, but our men are more relaxed and so when they eventually seek medical attention, it is when something has already happened. As we go into October, breast cancer awareness month, we will still be promoting prostate cancer, and encouraging our men to get their prostate cancer tests done.
“We are pleased to report that we have received a call, since the walk, from someone who is willing to sponsor some additional prostate tests and we will now be able to provide these for those men who did not get their PSA checked. I want to appeal to the public, especially business places, to come on board to assist us. At our recent health fair we had 100 PSA vouchers, 100 cholesterol vouchers and 50 pap smears and by lunchtime they were all finished. So when all the other persons turned up in the afternoon, we were completely out of vouchers. We really need more sponsors to come on board because we would then be in a position to assist more men and women seeking PSA tests and pap smears.”
