Honouring urologists and advancing men’s health
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, spotlighting the importance of early detection for the most common cancer among men. In St. Maarten, the Positive and Elektralyets foundations continue to lead this cause through their impactful “Man Up Check Up” campaign, which was launched in 2019 in collaboration with the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and urologists – Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas.
This initiative, which began locally, has expanded regionally to St. Eustatius and Anguilla, aiming to break taboos around prostate health and encourage men to take charge of their wellbeing. A new addition this year is the “Man Up Check Up” honour pins, introduced as a symbol of commitment to men’s health. In a ceremony at SMMC, the first pins were awarded to Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas for their ongoing dedication to prostate cancer awareness and early detection.
“We are proud to be part of a movement that encourages men to take control of their wellbeing,” said the doctors. “Every year, more men are showing up for screenings, asking questions, and taking action. That’s the real victory.”
The campaign offers free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings with the help of community partners including SLS, NAPA Auto Parts, Kooyman, St. Maarten Lion’s Club, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Picture This Studio, and local churches. Each year, 100 free PSA tests are provided to uninsured men, ensuring broader access to crucial screenings.
Mercedes “Elektra” van der Waals-Wyatt and Shelly Alphonso, of the Positive and Elektralyets foundations, emphasize the campaign’s core message: “Our goal is to break the silence around prostate cancer. We want men to feel empowered to talk about their health and know it matters.”
The campaign’s reach has grown, with partner organizations in Anguilla and St. Eustatius hosting PSA screenings, educational events, radio interviews, community walks, and fundraisers throughout September.
On St. Maarten, two key events are planned:
- September 26: Men’s Night Out & “Let’s Talk About Sex 3” Panel Discussion
- September 27: Men’s Health Day Screening at SMMC
Men ages 45 and older are urged to participate, consult their doctors, understand their risk, and commit to annual screenings. A new awareness video featuring real stories will be released this month because early detection saves lives. This Saturday, September 13, at 8:00am to 12 noon, there are free Prostate Specific Antigen (PAS) screenings available to the public at NAPA locations in Cole Bay and Philipsburg. Man Up Check Up.
