As people with prostates (PwP) get older, they are more likely to have prostatic conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer can be considered using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test alone, or in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (in which the clinician uses a finger through the rectum to feel for prostate growths)—guidelines vary. Per the Canadian Urological Association in 2022, the recommended age to consider starting for prostate cancer screening is around 50 years of age for those who are at average risk. However, it is recommended that those at higher risk, including African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) men, consider screening for prostate cancer earlier at age 45.
GHB awareness resources
The GHB market in Ontario is changing and gbMSM who Party n’ Play are sounding the alarm. The G-emergency Response is a grass roots group of queer men who have experience of PnP and GHB and want to keep their community safe in the light of several GHB related deaths in the fall of 2023.
In partnership with the GMSH and the CBRC, they developed a set of postcards with critical information on GHB safety covering the following topics:
- “What’s in my vial?” – Distinguishes GHB, GBL, and BDO, advising dose adjustments per substance, along with onset of effects and duration info.
- “How to respond to an Gmergency” – Offers insights on managing poisoning/overdose situations and basics around the Good Samaritan Law.
- “Dose Tracker” – Facilitates dose monitoring, reducing accidental overdoses.
These resources champion safer drug use and have been crafted by and for GHB/GBL and BDO users. They’re accessible, user-friendly, and shareable, promoting informed decisions.
These postcards draw on information from DanceSafe, The Alliance for Collaborative Drug Checking Group, The Loop, and personal experiences. They were reviewed by the Toronto Drug Checking Service, with insights from the European Chemsex Forum, the GMSH and the CBRC.
You can follow them Instagram: @gmergencyresponse
To request more information please e-mail: gmergency@outlook.com