Prostate cancer checks

Organisations urged to organise screenings for men

THE Suva Golden Oldies Rugby Club is encouraging all organisations to organise screenings for prostate cancer for all their men employees.

Club president Mason Smith said firstly it was important for business organisations, faithbased and community organisations to be aware that a disease such as prostate cancer did exist in Fiji.

“They should be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer,” he said.

“More importantly, they should know that there is support that is available through the club, Fiji Cancer Society(FCS) and Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“Lot of people do not know that prostate cancer existed. We hear feedback from communities, instances where ladies tell that their husbands had these symptoms and they had passed away without them knowing that it was prostate cancer and they could have been treated.

“We keep telling people that this was linked to your own health and longevity. This also is linked to productivity whether it is at work, home, schools, businesses, communities or village levels.”

He added cancer was one of the major four causes of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) deaths in the country.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer.

The Movember campaign is spearheaded by the club and the FCS.

Meanwhile, the club’s 2019 “Balls & Beards” rugby tournament will be held this Saturday at the Sacred Heart College grounds where free screenings will be conducted for men.