A series of events will take place this month to alert men to the dangers of prostate cancer.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has teamed up with The Royal Gazette to raise public awareness of the disease, which kills one man worldwide every hour.

Prostate cancer affects one in six men, but one in four black males. However, nearly 100 percent of men survive if the disease is caught early.

Yesterday, representatives of Belco and Arch Capital Group joined the Cancer and Health Centre's fundraising director Pauline Girling to officially launch Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

The two companies are sponsoring the campaign in a bid to increase public awareness of testing and treatment options, and to encourage all men over the age of 40 to have an annual PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.

Mrs. Girling said: "The impact of prostate disease touches so many men and their families. We are asking all men age 40-plus to join our team. Call your doctors today to schedule your prostate screening test, and 'Tackle Prostate Cancer' now."

The events planned to raise awareness during June include:

l Prostate awareness presentations to Pembroke Rotary Club on June 4, St. George's Rotary Club on June 8 and Hamilton Rotary Club on June 9.

l AS Cooper's will offer late-night shopping June 11-12, with special offers supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

l A 'Men Only' night at Elbow Beach Hotel on June 25 at 6 p.m. Dr. Michael O'Leary, a prostate cancer expert from the US, will present a prostate health lecture with local urologist, Dr. Charles Dyer, to an all-male audience. It will be followed by open discussion on diagnosis, treatment, early detection and prevention.

l On June 27, the Bermuda Classic Bike Club and the Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Club will stage a 'poker ride' from 9.30 a.m. Starting from the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre the group will ride to five locations, receiving a 'playing card' at each. The rider with the winning hand at the finish wins. This event is open to any member of the public with a motorcycle. The proceeds will go to the Cancer and Health Centre. For more information contact info@chc.bm.

l Also on Saturday, June 27, the Centre and Health Centre will hold a free PSA screening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board. Any man over the age of 40 who has not had a PSA blood test in the past 12 months is welcome to attend. Just visit the Centre at 46 Point Finger Road, with accompanying ID.

l Throughout June, prostate flyers and brochures will also be available at the following gyms: Magnum Powerforce Gym; SeaView Health Ultimate Fitness Club; The Athletic Club; and The Olympic Club.

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