FOR banker Howard Lawrence, annual prostate cancer screenings did more than safeguard his health. They helped him avoid the far greater financial and emotional costs that often come when the disease is detected too late.

Diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer in 2024, Lawrence credits regular screening and critical illness insurance for helping him access treatment quickly and manage what could have become a significant financial burden.

With a family history of prostate cancer Lawrence began annual screenings at age 40, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams.

“My grandfather died from prostate cancer in 1983, so once I turned 40 I committed to yearly screenings,” he said.

His decision proved crucial. After years of normal results his PSA levels began rising. In 2024 further testing, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy, confirmed he had stage two prostate cancer.

Faced with the diagnosis, Lawrence immediately began exploring treatment options. While his doctors advised that the cancer was slow-growing and could be monitored, he chose to move forward with treatment.

“One of the options was robotic surgery, but it was expensive and not available in Jamaica. I eventually arranged to have the procedure done in the Dominican Republic,” he explained.

The treatment came at a significant cost but Lawrence said having critical illness insurance made a major difference.

“The treatment was costly but my insurance made it manageable. Without it, things would have been much harder,” he said.

His experience highlights a reality many Jamaican families face when serious illnesses strike: The financial impact can be as challenging as the medical diagnosis itself.

According to prostate cancer survivor and chairman of Brothers United Against Prostate Cancer, Michael Jureidini, many men underestimate the economic consequences of delaying screening.

“The treatment for prostate cancer is expensive and it also takes an emotional toll on you and your family. Imagine if you come from a background where you don’t have insurance. The cost of treatment can have a serious impact on your family,” he said.

Jureidini noted that robotic surgery can cost as much as $5 million, underscoring the importance of early detection and financial preparedness.

“Screening is relatively inexpensive compared to treatment. Detecting the disease early can help reduce the financial burden and improve outcomes,” he added.

JN Life Insurance Managing Director Hugh Reid said critical illness coverage plays an important role in protecting families from unexpected medical expenses.

“When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness the focus should be on recovery — not worrying about how to pay medical bills. Insurance can help ease that burden and provide financial support when it is needed most,” Reid said.

THOMPSON…the earlier we detect the disease, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcomes

Medical experts argue that one of the most cost-effective investments men can make in their health is an annual prostate cancer screening.

Urologist Dr Elon Thompson said prostate cancer remains the most common cancer affecting Jamaican men and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among them.

“The earlier we detect the disease, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcomes. Annual screening allows us to find the cancer before it progresses to a more advanced and potentially more costly stage,” he said.

Thompson also pointed to the National Health Fund subsidy available for PSA testing, which helps lower the cost barrier for men seeking screening.

“Many men avoid screening for a variety of reasons but the PSA test is readily available and subsidised. Taking advantage of these services can make a significant difference,” he added.

For Lawrence, the lesson is simple: Annual screening is not only an investment in health but also in financial security.

“Early detection gave me options. It gave me time to act, and because I had insurance I was able to get the treatment I needed. Looking back, I’m grateful I took screening seriously,” he said.

As prostate cancer continues to affect thousands of Jamaican families, advocates and health professionals are urging men over 40 to view annual screening as a small cost today that could prevent a life-changing financial and medical crisis tomorrow.