A newly launched year-round drive hopes to spark discussion and raise awareness of men’s health.

CariGenetics, together with Prostate Awareness Bermuda, DailyMale, MASC Bermuda and others introduced the “Hear His Story” campaign to inspire action.

Carika Weldon, the founder of CariGenetics, said that there remained a stigma about discussing men’s health issues, particularly prostate health, that needed to be addressed.

She said the group planned to "move the needle on this“.

Dr Weldon explained: “CariGenetics launched its Caribbean prostate cancer genome study on May 1.

“This study is of paramount importance as prostate cancer continues to claim the lives of many men, particularly those of Caribbean and African descent, at alarming rates.

“Our research aims to uncover the genetic reasons behind this trend and help the medical community develop more effective screening and treatment options.”

She said the study could significantly impact men’s health in Bermuda and elsewhere, but more funds were required to cover the costs.

Dr Weldon said as part of the campaign she hoped men will “listen to the story their body is telling them” by getting a screening with DailyMale and registering for the study, while hearing from others through Prostate Awareness Bermuda and MASC.

The drive is to include a series of events, starting with a free men’s health round-table discussion on June 29 at the Police Club.

The event, scheduled to take place between 1pm and 4pm, will feature open discussions on men’s health issues with attendees able to enter a draw for a free spa treatment at the new Modern Gent Dapper Lounge and Spa.

The campaign will continue with an Instagram Live discussion on prostate cancer awareness among other events and initiatives throughout the year.

“Now is a critical time to rally around our men and show our support,” Dr Weldon added.

John Makanjoula, urologist and cofounder of DailyMale, said that the group had so far screened more than 200 men for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, and identified ten people who had advanced cancer that otherwise may not have been detected.

He added that the study was a “natural evolution” of the screening work and was key for saving lives.

Dr Makanjoula said: “Prostate cancer is the biggest cancer seen in men and we have an alarmingly high rate of death in Bermuda.

“We just want to get the word out about prostate cancer testing, especially for men to know their numbers and know their risk.”

John Payne, of Prostate Awareness Bermuda, said Bermuda had “unsettling” prostate cancer rates, and they were worse among Black men.

“Almost every man, if he lives long enough, will get an enlarged prostate,” he said. “This is usually just age-related.

“The issue is at some point, in some men, there is a problem.

“It could be difficulty urinating or urinary leakage. However, some will get prostate cancer.”

• Any organisation interested in supporting the “Hear His Story” campaign or the prostate cancer study is invited to e-mail Dr Weldon at carika@carigenetics.com or call 500-1982