Men have an opportunity to voice their concerns about prostate cancer at a 'Men's Only Night' tonight.

As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a US medical expert is visiting Bermuda to provide information on the disease and its treatment. Michael O'Leary, professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, will be joined by Island urologist Charles Dyer at the talk at Elbow Beach Hotel at 7 p.m.

The event has been organised by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and allows men to ask questions and speak freely, in the absence of women. Dr. O'Leary said: "Prostate cancer is more common in black men than white men, but men in the black community in general are reluctant to talk about their health problems.

"I think part of this is due to feeling embarrassed if women are present, so this is a chance to shed some of their concerns. This is an opportunity for men to hear from someone who is a relatively well-known expert, in a relaxed, casual environment, without fear of being embarrassed in front of women folk."

Dr. O'Leary, senior urologic surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital one of Harvard Medical School's teaching centres travels all over the world to lecture on prostate issues and sexual health.

He said: "On Thursday I will talk about men's health in general, their urologic health, and in particular the prostate. I will talk about the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system, screening for prostate cancer, and the positives and negatives of different treatments. I will also talk about men's sexual health."

A question-and-answer session will follow, with Dr. Dyer also on hand to address concerns.

Dr. O'Leary said: "Men will get to ask what they otherwise would not ask in a mixed group.

He is also encouraging men to attend the Cancer and Health Centre's free PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screening clinic this Saturday, at 46 Point Finger Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The walk-in clinic has been organised with the Bermuda Hospitals Board and is open to anyone over 40 who has not had a PSA blood test in the past 12 months or who has no medical insurance just bring some identification.

Dr. O'Leary said: "Early detection saves lives. You owe it to yourselves and your families, your loved ones, to get tested."

Throughout June, The Royal Gazette has teamed up with the Cancer and Health Centre to raise public awareness of the disease, which kills one man every hour worldwide. Contrary to other cancers, such as stomach or colon cancer, prostate cancer is a silent killer, with many men reporting no symptoms.

If caught early however, the survival rate is almost 100 percent. Medical experts recommend men should have a PSA blood test and a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) by their doctor every year from the age of 50.

Those at a higher risk black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting tested at 45. Prostate cancer affects one in six men, but one in four black males.

For more information visit www.chc.bm or call 236 1001, extension 1020.