BERMUDIAN men were last night warned they needed to be more vigilant in testing for prostate cancer, a deadly disease easily treated with early diagnosis.

Specialists at a seminar organised by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre delivered the message, stressing the importance of regular testing for men over the age of 40.

Held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the event was part of a month-long drive by the charity to raise awareness of the disease and the latest treatments available. Featured speakers were Michael O'Leary, a urology specialist from Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital, and local urology specialist Charles Dyer.

"It's the culmination of a fairly strong awareness programme we've been running all month," said Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre director Pauline Girling.

"Covidien, a leading global healthcare products company, supported this collaboration with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre because it is focused on the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer for the island's citizens."

As men of African descent have a higher incidence of the disease, the message is particularly important here, she added.

"Women in Bermuda are very diligent about screening for breast cancer. Our goal is to get men to understand what good prostate health is about and to do annual screenings."

Her hope was that 100 men would turn out to learn more about prostate cancer and also erectile dysfunction.

"Erectile dysfunction is linked to a whole series of issues related to urological diseases," Ms Girling said. "No one talks about it in mixed company. If tonight, 100 men (show up) willing to listen and ask questions, we'll be breaking ice on the island."

For more information on prostate cancer contact the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre on 236-1001.