Hoteliers need to check their PSA as seriously as they do their P&L
What’s happening "downunder"? Dr Jerry Schwartz puts his own health in the spotlight to call on male hotel execs over 50 to prioritise prostate health
Australia’s largest private hotel owner, Dr Jerry Schwartz, is well-known for bringing signs to conferences advising his industry colleagues of key actions needing to be addressed.
At the 2024 HICAP conference – held in the Schwartz Family Company-owned Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour – he came armed with a fresh set of signs addressing a seriously pressing (literally) issue – prostate cancer.
Instead of urging hoteliers to check their ADR, GOP, or ROI, he urged that they – at least the males in the room – should check their PSA.
PSA refers to Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. When the blood level of PSA is elevated, particularly if it increases rapidly, it can indicate the onset of prostate cancer.
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Early diagnosis can lead to treatment or, in the case of Dr Schwartz, removal of the prostate to counter the potential of cancer.
“My PSA rose significantly, which made it clear that the prostate needed to be removed, otherwise there would be the risk of cancer cells spreading from the prostate gland to the rest of my body,” said Dr Schwartz after first bemusing and then concerning more than half of the auditorium.
“It was very sudden and highlighted just how important it is for every male, and particularly in the hospitality sector, to have their PSA checked once they are over 50.
“I was fortunate that the diagnosis was prompt and surgery undertaken very quickly because there weren’t obvious symptoms, and my rapid PSA rise was only picked up as part of an overall health-screening regime.
“Our industry is sometimes known for the stress it places on individuals and the arguably unhealthy lifestyle we lead, but while tests are often conducted for cholesterol, blood pressure and cardio-fitness, too many men ignore their PSA levels.
“Possibly that’s because men prefer not to discuss ‘sensitive’ matters. Women have been far more educated about the need for mammograms and cervical screening tests to combat breast cancer, but men are still a long way from understanding the risk of prostate cancer and the need to constantly check once they reach a vulnerable age.
“It would seem that for men in our industry, discussing PSA can sometimes be as challenging as negotiating management renewals, but the days of digital rectum tests are long gone, so men need to do themselves a favour and get their PSA tested.”
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