The Tribune

RBC Freeport hosted a free educational seminar on prostate cancer to coincide with Global Prostate Cancer Awareness month, which is observed every September.

The goal of the seminar was to raise awareness about prostate cancer and highlight the importance of early diagnosis. The initiative was organised in partnership with UsTOO Grand Bahama, the local branch of a worldwide prostate cancer awareness and support organisation founded in the United States in 1990.

UsTOO has branches in Nassau, Grand Bahama and Cat Island.

UsTOO’s motto, SEA (Support, Educate, Advocate), embodies its commitment to educating men about the importance of annual prostate cancer screenings.

As part of its outreach, UsTOO offers prostate screening free of charge to men who may be unable to afford the cost. During the weekend of September 14, UsTOO Grand Bahama screened 602 men, exceeding the organisation’s initial target.

Cancer is a disease which has affected many families throughout the Bahamas. Research shows that annually, approximately 75 men in the Bahamas are diagnosed with prostate cancer and many more may have the disease but are not aware of their condition.

If caught early, physicians can offer many options for treatment.

RBC staff members attended the free seminar, which took place at the RBC Freeport branch and featured presentations by Pastor Percy Kemp and other members of the UsTOO organisation.

Topics addressed included: ‘What is Prostate Cancer’, ‘About the Prostate’ and ‘Where to go for prostate screening’.

RBC has been an active participant in the fight against cancer through sponsorship of: the RBC Children’s Cancer Fund, the Ride for Hope, the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) and the UsTOO organisation in New Providence.

During the seminar RBC presented UsTOO Grand Bahama with a donation to help process the blood work of the men screened in September.

“Nowadays almost everyone you talk to has a loved one who has dealt with cancer or knows someone who has fought the disease,” said Levar McPhee, central teller at the RBC Freeport Branch and seminar co-ordinator. “I was pleased at the response to the seminar and I am confident that attendees are better equipped to fight cancer and lead healthier lives.”

Ericka Rolle, manager of the bank’s Freeport Branch, said: “RBC is dedicated to supporting the communities in which it operates, providing assistance to a wide range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities.

“We are pleased to have partnered with UsTOO and bring lifesaving cancer education to our community.”