MOBAY Hope Medical Centre is once again setting high standards in health care with the ability to now provide Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing on site.

The launch of its most recent addition of a state-of-the-art prostate cancer detector for early detection of the disease took place at the facility located in the Half Moon Shopping Village at Rose Hall, Montego Bay.

According to the facility’s resident physician, Ricardo Campbell, prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among the island’s male population. But he pointed to the benefits of early detection.

“Early detection is the key to curing this potentially deadly disease,” he said. “Now, with our on-site PSA detection as part of our laboratory equipment, we’re in a better position than ever before to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.”

Dr Campbell added that one in five local men would develop the disease at some point in his life.

“In fact, in the Western region alone, we have had over 230 cases in recent years, in men ranging from 40 to 90 years of age. When it’s detected early, however, it’s a very treatable form of cancer. Prompt intervention dramatically increases a man’s chance for survival while reducing the need for aggressive surgery,” he added.

PSA, which was developed several years ago, is a simple blood test that can detect prostate cancer in its early stages. According to Dr Campbell, it should be taken in conjunction with a digital rectal examination.

“We’re very pleased with our addition of the PSA blood analyser to our laboratory,” Dr Campbell said. “The exam takes just a few minutes and we can let the patient know the results within 20 minutes, which reduces stress and anxiety on the part of the patient.”

The acquisition of the PSA equipment was made possible by the generous contributions of members of the Tryall Club, spearheaded by general manager Ted Ruddock.

MoBay Hope recommends that men follow the Jamaica Cancer Society’s guidelines for maintaining prostate health.

“That means men aged 40 upwards should have a PSA screening test which consists of both the PSA serum test and a digital rectal examination every year,” Dr Campbell explained.

He added that those at higher risk of prostate cancer (family members with history of the disease) should ask their doctors about the need for earlier or more frequent exams.

According to him, the addition for the PSA detection equipment is just one more example of MoBay Hope’s commitment to providing the residents of Western Jamaica with health-care services of the highest quality.