According to the Bermuda National Tumour Registry, prostate cancer is by far the most commonly occurring cancer in men on the Island: out of the 81 cases reported by the Registry for 2009, more than half (42) were for cancer of the prostate.

In terms of overall deaths last year, prostate cancer was responsible for just under three percent of victims in Bermuda. Lung cancer was still the worst killer, at 21.7 percent.

Prostate cancer is highly dangerous nonetheless.

There are usually no symptoms at the early stage, and for that reason the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre recommends annual prostate exams for men aged 40 and above. BCHC education officer Rhonda Smith-Simmons said: "There are some sites which say from the age of 50 and up. But because we have such a high population of black men on the Island, our incidence here is higher.

"Prostate cancer is more common in men of African descent. So we recommend, especially for those of African descent and those of mixed race as well, that they start getting tested at age 40."

The basic test is the annual digital prostate exam, she said, which takes a few minutes. "It's a basic as far as I'm concerned. If the prostate feels normal and the patient isn't in discomfort, a doctor can feel comfortable. But if the prostate does feel enlarged, then a doctor would probably send for a PSA."

The PSA is a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, which usually becomes elevated when prostate cancer or other illness occurs. Ms Smith-Simmons said that not every doctor agrees with it, but at the least it should be discussed with a personal physician.

Ms Smith-Simmons recommended the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre at 46 Point Finger Road as a resource for anyone with questions about cancer. The main number is 236-1001; her direct line is 236-0949 and her personal email is rsmith.simmons@chc.bm">rsmith.simmons@chc.bm.