FOR many Jamaican men, prostate cancer doesn’t begin with pain or discomfort; it begins in silence. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be spreading, leaving fewer options for treatment and survival. This is why doctors like Belinda Morrison, consultant urologist and head of the Urology Division at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), stress the importance of vigilance and awareness.

“Although prostate cancer is coined as a disease of the elderly, many new cases are being seen in men in their 40s and 50s,” Dr Morrison explained. “This is concerning because we are seeing younger men with aggressive forms of the disease.”

The silent early stages

One of the greatest challenges with prostate cancer is that it often develops without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time a man begins to feel unwell, the cancer may already have spread beyond the prostate.

“Early detection means testing for the presence of cancer before it is clinically manifested. For prostate cancer, this begins at age 40 years in black males and includes annual PSA (blood test) and DRE (physical exam) testing,” said Morrison.

Red flags men should never ignore

When symptoms do appear, they usually relate to changes in urination, sexual health, or unexplained pain. According to Dr Morrison and Global Cancer Resources, here are the most important warning signs:

• Urinary problems – difficulty starting or maintaining urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, or a frequent need to urinate, especially at night.

• Painful urination or ejaculation – discomfort or burning can signal something more serious than infection.

• Blood in the urine or semen – a symptom that should never be ignored.

• Sexual dysfunction – unexplained erectile difficulties may sometimes be linked to prostate issues.

• Persistent pain – especially in the lower back, hips, thighs, or pelvis, which may indicate that the cancer has spread.

“These are red flags,” Dr Morrison emphasised. “If a man experiences any of these symptoms, he should seek medical attention immediately. Too often, men dismiss them as part of ageing, but that delay can cost them their lives.”

Why symptoms alone aren’t enough

While these warning signs are critical, doctors stress that relying only on symptoms is risky. Prostate cancer can remain hidden until it’s advanced, and not all men with the disease will experience noticeable problems. That’s why Dr Morrison insists that screening is essential.

“Regardless of aggressiveness, if men detect the disease early, the death rates would be reduced,” she explained. “But since many men in Jamaica do not screen for prostate cancer, the disease tends to be detected late, and there is high mortality as a result.”

Myths and misconceptions

Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation often keep men from taking symptoms seriously or getting screened. Among the myths Dr Morrison frequently encounters are:

• “Prostate cancer is always slow-growing, so it won’t kill me.”

• “Only men with many sexual partners are at risk.”

• “The digital rectal exam is a homosexual activity.”

• “All treatments will cause impotence.”

• “Eating ackee causes prostate cancer.”

“These beliefs are not only false but dangerous. They discourage men from seeking care early, when we have the best chance of curing the disease,” Dr Morrison warned.

Acting before it’s too late

At UHWI, patients diagnosed with prostate cancer undergo staging tests that guide treatment options, such as surgery for early cases or hormone and chemotherapy for more advanced disease. But Dr Morrison’s strongest advice remains simple: don’t wait for symptoms.

“Screen early and save your life,” she said. “Your family needs you, and Jamaica needs you.”

The takeaway

For Jamaican men, especially those over 40, the message is clear: unusual urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, persistent pain, or sexual dysfunction should never be ignored. And even without symptoms, annual PSA and DRE screenings remain the best defence.

That’s why the Blue Run is more than just a race; it’s a movement. On September 21, 2025, runners, walkers, rollers, and families will come together to raise awareness, confront the myths, and champion early detection. Participants can register online at
www.runningeventsja.com.

Dr Belinda Morrison, consultant urologist, UHWI.