For too many men, the conversation about prostate health starts far too late, often when the disease has already taken hold. The Lions Club of Antigua hopes to change that.

This Saturday, the club will host its 17th annual Prostate Screening Initiative, calling on men aged 40 to 75 to step up, get tested, and protect not just themselves, but the people who care about them.

Past President Robert “Bobby” Reis isn’t mincing words: “We need to drop this macho attitude. When men refuse to take care of themselves, they’re not just risking their health; they’re causing unnecessary stress and pain for their loved ones. You might be able to pop a painkiller and sleep, but your family will be up all night worrying about you. That’s not strength, that’s selfishness.”

The Silent Threat
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It develops in the prostate, a small gland just below the bladder that produces semen. In its early stages, it has no symptoms at all.

That’s why local urologist Dr. Dwayne “Baba” Thwaites stresses the power of early detection: “If you have symptoms, it’s already late. But if we catch it early through screening, we can cure it in 95% of cases.”

The Importance of Accessing the Two Tests Available
This Saturday’s screening, held at the Lions Den from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will offer two types of exams:

• PSA blood test (about 70% sensitive in detecting cancer)
• Digital rectal examination (about 40–50% sensitive)

Some men shy away from the rectal exam, but Dr. Thwaites warns this could be a costly mistake: “There are cases where your PSA is normal, but the rectal exam finds something abnormal — and that could be cancer. In fact, if we detect a lump during the rectal exam, we can move directly to a biopsy. The blood test alone might require repeat testing before we act. When you do both, your chances of accurate detection go well over 100%.”

The message from the Lions Club and medical experts is clear: Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t let pride stand in the way. Get tested, protect your health, and give your loved ones peace of mind.

Details at a glance:
Date: Saturday 16th August, 2025
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Registration from 7:00 a.m.)
Venue: Lions Den
Cost: $35

Remember – Early Detection Saves Lives and Reduces the Burden on Loved Ones