More than 630 men participated in the 18th Annual Prostate Screening Clinic organised by the Lions Club of Antigua in collaboration with Dr Dwayne Thwaites and Associates.
The clinic was held on Saturday at the Lions Den, with Bio Health Medical and the Medical Benefits Scheme also partnering on the initiative.
Organisers described the event as a success, reporting that 632 men were screened despite unfavourable weather conditions.
Registration opened at 7 a.m., and participants received PSA blood tests, medical history assessments and examinations by doctors. Blood pressure, blood sugar and several other health screenings were also provided.
The Lions Club said the strong turnout demonstrated the continued importance of making prostate screening accessible to men across Antigua and Barbuda.
“Prevention and awareness are key, as prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide,” the organisation said.
Lion Jacintha Pringle, First Vice-President and Health Chairperson of the Lions Club of Antigua, credited medical professionals, sponsors and members of the community for the clinic’s success.
“This year’s screening would not be possible without the generous support of the medical professionals, sponsors, the community, and the encouragement from family and friends to get screened,” Pringle said.
The Antigua Leos Club also staged a breakfast fundraiser during the clinic to support its community-service projects.
The Lions Club thanked the Medical Benefits Scheme, Sagicor Insurance, Bel Lab Medical Services, Do Blue Foundation, Falmouth Marina, Community First Cooperative Credit Union and APUA for providing financial support.
According to the organisation, the sponsorship allowed it to maintain an affordable registration fee while offering participants a wider range of health screenings and services.
Several other public- and private-sector organisations also contributed to the event, including the American University of Antigua, Government Printery, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, APUA Inet, CIBC, Social Security Scheme, JCI Antigua and Grant Thornton.
The Lions Club said early detection remains critical in the fight against prostate cancer and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regular screening among men.
“Early detection saves lives,” the organisation said. “Let us continue to join the fight against prostate cancer. We look forward to serving even more men next year.”
