AS SOON as a woman becomes sexually active, she is advised by her gynaecologists to do annual pap smear tests. While most women routinely visit their Gynaecologist for a range of sexual health problems but men on the other hand, adopt an, 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' attitude to matters concerning their sexual health. Many of them endure endless nagging, gentle coaxing and in some cases it is only when a male friend or relative drops dead from prostate cancer or colon cancer that they wake up and see a urologist.
In casual conversations, the homophobic tendencies come to the surface; so-called macho men balk at the mere thought of an invasion of their anus which is usually a part of the examination process for these two maladies. The fact that prostate checks do not necessarily require an anal probe is lost on a number of mighty males. So as Jamaica's prostate cancer problem continues to spiral, Flair spoke with some men in the 40-60 age group to find out just how seriously they take their sexual health.
LEONARD GREEN - ATTORNEY-AT-LAW:
It is not big fear of the urologist, but if you feel healthy the only thing you may hear from the doctor is that you are not; so it's the fear of the bad news that makes me put it off as long as I can. I don't fear the nature of the exam, men generally tend to be afraid of the doctor and even with my spouse and friends encouraging me to do it, I have not. However, I will do it soon.
LAMBERT SANDFORD, ENGINEERING SYSTEMS ANALYST:
"I do my colon checks and PSA annually and when the tests are due, my doctor sends me a reminder. The colon check is due every three years but depending on the condition of the last one, I may be called in more frequently. I also encourage my father to do them but he does not want to at his age. I usually feel violated and the doctors put you under anaesthetic but even so you wake up feeling the after effects. Every man should have his colon checked. The PSA is just a blood test so why should men be afraid of it?
BASIL DAWKINS PLAYWRIGHT/PRODUCER:
Men don't go to their urologist because they are embarrassed. I am afraid of doctors and only go when I have to ever since I was a boy. I notice that women go very regularly but I don't like the feeling I get when sitting in a waiting room. I have never had a colon screening nor a test for prostate cancer but I make sure I get nutrients that guard against it. I don't have hang-ups about the invasive nature of the examinations, it's just straight fear.
DOUGLAS PROUT - PLAYWRIGHT/PRODUCER/INSURANCE EXECUTIVE:
I am an anomaly because I have been doing regular checks for colon and prostate cancer since age 38. There is a history of cancers in my family and I do my PSA annually even though I still cringe and cower into a tiny ball on the examination table afterwards. I find it so difficult to look into my doctor's face that I wear shades during the exam. It's not a nice experience, anyway, doctors are now teaching us how to do self massage of the prostate. Men should be courageous and do these tests to avoid surprises later.
JASSEL DUNSTAN - ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR:
I have been doing both tests for a long time and I am not embarrassed by them. My father had prostate problems so I have to be careful. I have also done them for medical insurance purposes and I advise all men over 40 to get over their hang-ups and do the right thing. Most things that are for our benefit have some unpleasantness about them so since we have such a high rate of prostate cancer in Jamaica, men should and must get tested.
RENFORD BRYAN - JOURNALIST:
I don't need to go to a urologist because my family doctor does everything for me. I had my prostate tested when I was in my mid 30s. I went to do a medical examination for an insurance policy. I did not know that I was required to do a prostate check. In fact, the examiner did not tell me what she was going to do. She just told me to take off my clothes and turn around. I was frightened and angry when I realised what she was doing because she did not inform me of her intentions.
Since then I have checked my prostate twice but the second time my family doctor did it. I approached it curiously and tentatively. But he was my friend so I knew he wouldn't try anything. The third time I did it, it was done in the form of a blood test. Though in Jamaica men are hesitant when it comes to checking their prostate I know by education that it is important to do so. I have not done a colon check yet but I think I should get it done.
ALBERT JOHNSON - SOFTWARE ENGINEER:
I am afraid of going to a urologist because there is a thing about us men, we consider ourselves as big and powerful. The only time I will go to the doctor is when there is an emergency and I don't have a choice. I have had a tooth problem for the past three years now I just refuse to go to the dentist because I hate dentists. I don't feel I will ever go unless I have a bad toothache or something.
I have done a prostate check but through blood test. As to a doctor putting his finger in my anus to check my prostate, that's a definite no-no. That was not meant to be a point of entry, it's an exit point! Men are strange I know.
DR. ROBERT WAN, CONSULTANT UROLOGIST SAYS:
It is recommended that men 40 years and over do an annual prostate check. A recent discovery by the America Society for the Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and Harvard Radiation and Oncology Programme, found evidence that men who get regular checks are three times less likely to develop prostate cancer.
To check the prostate there are two tests that can be done, PSA (blood test) and a digital rectal examination (DRE) (this requires the doctor to insert his finger in the rectum and check the prostate). "I have realised that men are reluctant to do the DRE because it is uncomfortable. However, I suggest that if men are uncomfortable doing the DRE they should at least do the PSA once they reach the age of 40," Dr. Wan said.
Some men go to get tested because they read about or have heard about it. Others decide to get tested because their wife or partner urged them to. On the other hand, some decide to get tested after someone close to them has been diagnosed.
