One of the Island's three half marathon races is to raise awareness of prostate cancer amongst men on the Island.

Six months after an extensive 'Tackle Prostate Cancer' campaign by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and this newspaper, the Bermuda Track and Field Association half marathon and associated 10K race and walk, will act as a further reminder for Bermuda's men to get checked.

Glenn Robinson, who is the main organiser of the races on November 29, has linked up with the cancer and health centre for this year's event. He said the races would be used to support the message that all men over the age of 40 have an annual screening for prostate cancer.

This year, for the first time, there will be a 10K walk organised alongside the half marathon and 10K road races, and Mr. Robinson is hoping this will attract an increased turnout of participants.

He added: "We are trying to get as many males to come and support the event. The races are on November 29, but the idea is to get people thinking about it now."

Deborah Narraway, of Bermuda Cancer and Health, welcomed the initiative by Mr. Robinson, of Ashlan Sports Clinic.

She said men had taken notice of the prostate cancer awareness campaign in June and now there will be a reminder six months later.

"Glenn has stepped forward and it works out very well as November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the UK. This gives men in Bermuda a timely reminder half-a-year on from our campaign about the importance of getting checked," she added.

Medical experts recommend men should have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) by their doctor every year from the age of 50.

Those at a higher risk, black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting tested at 45.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre however, is recommending all men should have annual prostate checks from the age of 40. Contrary to other cancers such as stomach or colon cancer, prostate cancer is a silent killer, with many men reporting no symptoms. If caught early however, the survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

Details and entry forms for the half marathon and 10K events will be available in November.