We are pleased to announce the launch of prostate biopsies, a new service in the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. The service has been made possible through Movember campaign donations.
The prostate biopsies are performed by highly qualified medical personnel who have decades of experience and have conducted thousands of procedures. The service is available to men who receive a referral from their physician.
A prostate biopsy only takes a few minutes to perform and is currently the best method available for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. During a biopsy, the prostate gland tissue is removed with a special biopsy needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. The diagnosis of prostate cancer can only be confirmed by biopsy and a prostate biopsy is performed after other diagnostic tests indicate that there’s a problem with the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer, when diagnosed early, means earlier treatment and increased survival for men. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men.
Glen Gibbons, Chairman, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre says: “By offering prostate biopsies, we hope to raise awareness of different cancer risks and encourage men to know their risks and to take responsibility for their health. The Movember campaign is a great fundraising initiative and helps us to not only raise awareness of men’s health but to expand our offerings with the funds raised.”
Tara Soares, Executive Director, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre says: “Prostate biopsy procedures at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre are typically conducted within one or two days following a physicians’ referral, giving men in the community access to specialists for important diagnostic testing in a timely manner. Waiting for results can make anyone anxious and now we are able to speed up that process significantly, while also providing full diagnostic services within the comfortable surroundings of the Centre.” The Centre has raised over $296,000 through Movember since 2010 and these funds have been used to purchase the equipment needed to perform biopsies and to support the Centre’s other initiatives for men such as the Annual Men’s Health Fair and the Men’s Voucher programme.
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is the only non-profit charity that provides diagnostic imaging and free health services to the community. With the ongoing support of patients, physicians, fundraising events, donations and corporate sponsorships, the Centre is able to cover the cost of prostate biopsies and diagnostic imaging enabling those without insurance or the ability to pay to receive medical care.
For more information about Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, call 236-1001 or follow us on Facebook.
