For some reason, most men don't tend to like going to the doctor.

And when it comes to prostate cancer, they are even more likely to put a visit off.

Whether it is the thought of the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) or fears of potential impotence or incontinence, the subject is taboo for many.

The Royal Gazette sat down with a group of friends to ask why it is that so many men can avoid confronting a disease which strikes one in six men worldwide.

The ROMEOS are eight friends who have known each other for decades. Short for 'Retired Old Men Eating Out Sometimes', they meet for lunch every week and amid the banter, discuss everything from current affairs to health issues.

Chatting to this charming group of gentlemen, it soon becomes apparent they are their own unofficial support group, helping each other through the bad times and any medical scares.

Allan Cooper, 67, a realtor from Smith's, says: "We look after one another and if something needs to be done, we will support one another."

Asked whether they think there should be an official prostate cancer support group on the Island, Mr. Cooper says: "Absolutely, there's no question about that. People think it happens to other people and doesn't happen to them, and so when it does, it's too late."

Cleveland Foggo, 66, an insurance agent from Hamilton Parish, says: "Yes, there should be a support group, most definitely. And I think men should be getting themselves tested."

Sherwin Jones Sr., 66, a former teacher from Smith's, says: "There should be as much emphasis on the prostate problem as women place on breast cancer."

Webster B. Tucker, 69, a retired broadcasting producer from Warwick, agrees. He says: "There's more information out there on breast cancer, but women are more concerned about their health than men are, and they play a more dominant role in health issues."

Mr. Cooper says: "That's very true and of course, the women go and tell their partners to get tested but then they seem to back up and don't go.

"I guess some men just don't want to know and don't want their wives to know if there is a problem.

"Prostate cancer is sometimes a 'no no', it's taboo. They don't want to talk about it."

Bryant Richards, 66, a former policeman from Southampton, says: "Most of the problem is that you have to go and get the physical exam and most men are embarrassed and won't let the doctor touch them. So a lot of men won't go."

The men all agree there is too much stigma about potential impotence and incontinence associated with prostate cancer.

Mr. Richards says: "Even if you don't have sexual problems you still have the worry of impotence and all these things which come with that, because you're getting old. I think a lot of people are scared of getting old."

Mr. Cooper says: "We find that a lot of men, they won't go and have the DRE test because they're afraid to have the doctor do what they do.

"They want to keep well but don't want to do what they have to do."

Mr. Jones says: "It's fear of the unknown and to them it's an invasion. They also think it may lead to impotence and things they don't want to talk about. There's something some people just won't do, and this is unfortunate.

"I had a close friend who died of colon cancer last year. For some reason he didn't go to the doctor and it killed him, so it's important to know about these things."

Mr. Tucker adds: "There is a stigma regarding sexual problems. And I don't think Bermudian men take it seriously enough. I would say to our countrymen, 'Hey, check with your doctor and have a physical once a year'.

"Have the PSA test. It's essential. That's when the doctor can figure out if there's any underlying problems and make any resolutions.

"You should start looking to go to the doctor every year, because cancer can be so prevalent."

He says: "I think a lot of Bermudian men have a fear of doctors, I really think so. But if a person goes to a doctor every year for a physical or stress test, the doctor can always diagnose if there's another problem."

Randolph Rowland, 63, a graphic artist and bartender from Pembroke, says: "I have the prostate test once a year. My father Gilbert died of prostate cancer and so my doctor said it was a good thing for me to get tested."

Mr. Jones says: "We all went to a presentation by Dr. (Charles) Dyer (urologist) on prostate cancer at BUEI (Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute) once, and that was very good.

"I think it's very important that there should be more awareness out there because a lot of men die from this disease.

"A lot of our friends have died from prostate cancer, from not paying attention to it. This cancer can come when you least expect it."

Mr. Cooper says: "Men should be more proactive about going to the doctor. I think that's what needs to happen."

The ROMEOS also all agree they would like to see more leaflets with information about the disease at doctors' surgeries and in public places.

Mr. Cooper says: "I do think there should be more information out there, because some people are more inclined to read about it, rather than discussing it with someone.

"But it needs to be discussed and it needs to be out there. Every time someone makes a decision not to go to the doctor's for a test, in some cases they could end up dying."

• Medical experts recommend men should have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) 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. The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre however, is recommending all men should have annual checks from the age of 40.

This month is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is running a free screening clinic on Saturday, June 27, where men without health insurance or those who have not been screened for 12 months can have a walk-in PSA test by King Edward VII Memorial Hospital staff.

The Centre's campaign is being sponsored by Belco and Arch Capital Group.

Events will be held throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

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.