A free health screening for men was held in Hamilton today.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s 2019 Men’s Health Screening offered tests for blood glucose, blood pressure, and kidney and skin analysis.

Doctors and nutritionists were also on hand at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Hall on King Street to offer medical consultations.

Neville Tyrrell, the Acting Minister of Health, said all men should get annual check-ups.

He said: “Events like today’s are so crucial to the health of our community — not only because of the free health screenings that they offer, but also for compelling men just to think about their health.”

Mr Tyrrell said that he hoped promotion of the event would also encourage men unable to attend to visit their GPs.

He added: “Life gets busy. Many of us are juggling numerous responsibilities and commitments and often our health can take a back seat.

“In fact, statistically, we are less likely to seek out medical care than women. But annual check-ups are so important.

“They can help you stay healthy, talk about any concerns and pick up early warning signs of disease or illness.”

Mr Tyrrell said that screenings could also help to detect cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancers — including prostate cancer.

He added: “Prostate cancer is the number one cancer affecting men in Bermuda and is 50 per cent more common in black men.”

Mr Tyrrell said that one in nine men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He added: “At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a prostate-specific antigen test.

“If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should be having this conversation at 45.

“Know your numbers, know your risk, talk to your doctor.”