Guardian Life provides $1-m boost for prostate cancer screening
JAMAICA Cancer Society’s (JCS) push to screen more than 500 men for prostate cancer this month has been boosted by a $1-million donation from Guradian Life Limited.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Michael Leslie, acting executive director of JCS, says it has already scheduled prostate screenings in Kingston and St Andrew, Manchester, St Ann, Portland, and St James, with 300 men already confirmed to receive the service.
“We are pleased to have the support of Guardian Life in helping us raise awareness about prostate cancer. This donation assists us in educating men about why it is important to do prostate screening, and allows us the opportunity to share how the process works. Most importantly, this donation assists with actual screening of men across the island,” stated Leslie as he accepted the donation from Guardian Life.
In the meantime, Oneil Clarke, vice-president for life, health and pension sales at Guardian Life, highlighted the reasons the company has been a long-term supporter of prostate cancer screening.
“We recognise that there is a high incidence of prostate cancer in our society, and as one of the premier providers of life and health insurance we believe it is imperative that we play a critical role in educating our men and their support systems about the importance of early screening,” said Clarke.
“It is important to note that for the first six months of this year, 97 of the 141 claims we have received were cancer-related. Last year, of the 270 claims received, 226 were cancer related. So, we are happy to certainly partner with JCS in ensuring that we help to support this public education thrust and the drive to ensure that our men are screened.
“I hope the effort helps to increase the level of education and ensures the continued support of the JCS. We intend to fulfil our corporate social responsibility in this regard,” added Clarke.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JCS six years ago Guardian Life has assisted with underwriting the costs of prostate cancer screening and has increased awareness of the cause.
This year, the insurance provider is the title sponsor of the Blue Run, scheduled for September 22, which focuses on prostate cancer awareness.
