A WELSH charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer andd the men of Swansea have responded in their droves with all places for the Sunday 13 April event at Swansea.com Stadium now fully subscribed.
Prostate Cymru is embarking on the mission as men continue to face difficulties in getting a free PSA test from their GP. This is despite the fact that men with prostate cancer often have no symptoms. While the Swansea event is now booked up, the charity is urging men to book a spot at the other events which take place on:
- Sunday 11 May at Glamorgan Cricket Club
- Sunday 18 May at Carmarthen Athletic Club
- Sunday 1 June at Narberth RFC
- Sunday 8 June at Aberystwyth RFC
The charity is appealing to men aged 50 or over – or those aged 45 or over if they have a family history of prostate cancer or if they are Black – to come and get tested.
The events follow a pilot which took place in April last year in collaboration with Swansea City Football Club. 200 men were tested and 18 required further investigation.
Among them was Martin Lewis, Swansea Building Society’s Area Manager for England. The firm has since come on board to sponsor three testing events.
Martin said: “Going for the test turned out to be one of the most important decisions of my life, though I didn’t know it at the time. Like many men, I had no symptoms and wouldn’t have thought to get tested.”
Martin is now undergoing treatment and is urging other men to get tested.
Tina Tew of Prostate Cymru says: “All men over 50 are entitled to a free PSA test from their GP. That drops to 45 if there is a family history or if they are Black. However, we constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test.
“The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test. And that’s why we have eight testing events with a view to add another date in North Wales.”
The charity describes the campaign as “ambitious and costly”. More than 3000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000. Prostate Cymru is working with sponsors at each event to make this possible while individuals will be asked to donate £10.
On the day, a specialist nurse and consultant will be on hand to provide more detailed information on the test, and what would happen next in the event of a positive test result.
The testing tour has already been to Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge and Brecon. It is also exploring further options in North Wales.
If you would like to register for a test, please email [email protected] or click here
