'Don't wait. Check your prostate. Do it man', is the tag line for this year's prostate cancer awareness campaign to be launched at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston today at 3 p.m.

AstraZeneca, an international biopharmaceutical business, in association with the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Ministry of Health, and a number of other partners, are embarking on a public education campaign to empower men with vital information about prostate cancer and their overall well-being.

Prostate cancer has been the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the island, and is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world.

According to the Jamaica Cancer Society, about 54 of every 100,000 men die from prostate cancer each year and Jamaica has one of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates in the Caribbean.

Dr Yessika Moreno, medical director of AstraZeneca, told THE WEEKEND STAR that prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. The prostate is a walnut size gland that is a part of the male reproductive system which is located at the bottom of the bladder.

initial examination

"We have decided to embark on this campaign for the first time to raise awareness and to educate and motivate the population about this disease. Most men are not open to be screened for the disease for a number of reasons. Some men are afraid of the initial examination and some are afraid because of the number of myths associated with this form of cancer," Dr.Moreno said.

He reasoned that early detection is key and men should not be afraid to do the examination that can be performed by a general practitioner or a urologist, (a doctor who specialises in treating urinary, bladder, and prostate issues).

AstraZeneca's products are distributed by Cari-Med Limited and LASCO Distributors Limited.

For more information persons can contact the Jamaica Cancer society at 927-4265.