Men’s Health Forum Draws Large Crowd at Old Belize Pavilion

Yesterday saw a grand event that was held exclusively for men at the Old Belize Pavilion.  While many have tried to bring men together to discuss the societal, mental and medical issues they face, none have had such a great showing as this one.  More than 150 men attended the event where they engaged in open discussions and heard from experts like Dr Ramon Yacab, the country’s only oncologist; as well as from Dr Jorge Hidalgo who launched the Men against Cancer initiative, as well as Dr Hugh Sanchez, and Dr Ivan De Paz.  Present at the men’s forum was Mayor Bernard Wagner who described the atmosphere and vulnerability as refreshing.

The event was spearheaded by the Belize Cancer Society with assistance from PAHO/WHO, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, UNICEF and Belize Healthcare Partners.  In a release from the BCS, it reflected saying that this was first of a kind interaction that allowed men to speak freely among themselves …. the heartfelt testimonials from cancer survivors that outlined their journey and their coping mechanisms, were instrumental in showing that cancer does not discriminate between age, wealth, race or gender; and that the coping takes great courage and  support. It highlighted the fact that men are generally less likely to seek treatment due to many cultural preconceptions and for fear of the negative impacts on their ability to continue their perceived societal role as a love partner, breadwinner, and masculine figure.