Men are being urged to "take charge" of their health this weekend.

For just five minutes of your time you can be screened for prostate cancer and find your baseline reading for future health checks.

Tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is running a free walk-in PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) clinic, in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

The test is recommended for males over 40 who have not had a PSA check in the past 12 months or who do not have medical insurance.

All you need to do is bring your ID to the screening clinic at 46 Point Finger Road.

Hospital staff will then carry out a blood test, with the results available at the end of the week.

Kathy Stephens, Department of Pathology laboratory manager, said: "This clinic is a good idea because some men are timid about going to see a doctor.

"They usually only go once they have symptoms, rather than for preventative reasons, so we are inviting them to take charge of their health."

Mrs. Stephens said: "We are expecting a good response to the clinic because it is just a blood test.

"A lot of men don't care for the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) so I think they will probably come for the PSA test, rather than having to go to their doctor to do both (the PSA and DRE).

"The walk-in clinic also aims to make men more aware of prostate cancer. Men should really know their PSA number.

"The message I want to give the men of Bermuda is: Take charge of your health. This test is simple, it's just a needle stick. We encourage you to come on by and get your initial number."

Men who attend the free screening will also be entered into a draw to win a $250 travel voucher.

For more information, call the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's education officer on 236-0949.