GREAT BAY--As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) hosted a prostate cancer awareness discussion for its male employees, creating a space for an open conversation about men’s health, prostate cancer and the importance of taking a proactive approach to personal health.
The session was supported by the Positive and Elektralytes Foundation, which focuses on cancer awareness, education and encouraging more open conversations about health and early detection.
A central part of the discussion was the contribution of Michael Ferrier, a prostate cancer survivor of more than 20 years, who shared his personal journey with WIB employees. Ferrier spoke openly about his experience, offering participants a personal perspective on prostate cancer and creating an environment in which employees could ask questions, listen and reflect on their own health.
The discussion also addressed several factors that can influence a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, family history, ancestry and certain inherited genetic changes. Participants were reminded that while some risk factors cannot be changed, understanding personal and family history can help men have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
“Understanding your risk is an important part of taking an active role in your health,” the Foundation shared, encouraging men to speak with their healthcare provider about whether screening is appropriate for them and when it should begin based on their individual circumstances.
Feedback from WIB employees following the session was positive, with participants describing the conversation as informative and thought-provoking. For WIB’s Senior Management, providing employees with a comfortable setting in which to discuss an issue that is often difficult for men to talk about was an important part of the initiative.
“We wanted to create a comfortable space where our colleagues could have an open and honest conversation about prostate cancer and their health,” said Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head. “If this discussion encourages even one person to ask more questions, take their health more seriously, or make that appointment to get checked, then it was well worth it.”
The Positive and Elektralytes Foundation also stressed the importance of continuing conversations around cancer and men’s health. Creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking about their health can help reduce barriers and encourage individuals to become more active participants in their own well-being.
Through initiatives such as the prostate cancer awareness discussion, WIB continues to support the health and well-being of its employees while contributing to greater awareness of important health issues across the St. Maarten community.
