A prostate cancer leafleting campaign in partnership with gyms and sports clubs is gaining a healthy response.

As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has teamed up with sports clubs to distribute flyers in locker rooms and reception desks.

Among the literature available to members of Magnum Powerforce Gym, SeaView Health Ultimate Fitness Club, The Athletic Club and The Olympic Club are pamphlets on the disease and its symptoms.

The leaflets giving information on prostate cancer will be available all month at participating gyms and sports clubs.

Diana Cywinski, of The Olympic Club, said: "The leafleting campaign is very informative and there's been a good response so far.

"It is in men's interest to pick up this information and read it. Hopefully they will also attend the 'Men's Only Night' on June 25.

"It's generally been men over 35 who have picked up the leaflets, which is the right target age for this."

Charmaine Pickett, manager of SeaView Health Ultimate Fitness Club, said: "There's been a good response, with men slowly picking up the information. I would say it's pretty good."

The Royal Gazette has also teamed up with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to promote awareness of prostate cancer.

Throughout June we will publish a series of articles seeking to alert men to the dangers of the disease and the importance of getting tested with a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and DRE (Digital Rectal Examination).

The 'face' of our campaign is cricketing star Dwayne 'Sluggo' Leverock, who is urging men to get tested before it is too late.

On June 25, Elbow Beach hosts a 'Men's Only Night' where men can talk freely about the condition to US medical expert Dr. Michael O'Leary.

The following Saturday, the Cancer and Health Centre is holding a free PSA screening for men over 40 who have no medical insurance or who have not had a test for 12 months, in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board. It takes place at 46 Point Finger Road between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information on prostate cancer contact the Cancer and Health Centre on: www.chc.bm or 236-1001.