A WELSH charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer and it’s coming to Carmarthen on Sunday 18 May.
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.
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 at Carmarthen Athletic Club.
Six years ago, Andrew Williams received the news he had prostate cancer. He was just 51 when he was diagnosed.
He said: “I was lucky in that my GP did agree to a PSA test but I know that’s not the case for everyone. The results came back, and my GP wanted me to have a biopsy.
“They found three tumours in my prostate. But fortunately, it was caught early, and I had surgery to have the prostate removed.”
That was in December 2019 and after everything he had been through, he wanted his father to get tested too.
Andrew added: “He was in his 80s and didn’t want to talk about it. He was diagnosed during Covid and so things were delayed. Unfortunately, he died because of it in November 2021. It had already spread to his bones.”
Andrew believes there is a family history of the disease on his father’s side of the family. With four sons of his own, he is eager to “hammer the message home”.
He said: “One in eight men in Wales will develop prostate cancer, but this risk rises to one in three with a family history of the disease. I do worry about the next generation, which is why I have made my sons aware that they need to get tested.”
He has also joined the Carmarthenshire Friends of Prostate Cymru to help raise awareness.
Andrew concluded: “We must catch it early, and that’s why I’ll speak to anyone who’ll listen. Sadly, my Dad wasn’t one of the lucky ones.”
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. We’re thrilled to be coming to Carmarthen and we’ve already had very good uptake on registrations.”
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.
The Carmarthen event is supported by Swansea Building Society. Alun Williams, Chief Executive, said: “Prostate Cymru’s work resonates deeply with us as an organisation, especially following the experiences of colleagues and their families. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“By raising funds and awareness, we hope to help more individuals detect and treat this disease early, while also contributing to the incredible work Prostate Cymru does across Wales.”
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 will also take in Swansea, Cardiff, Narbeth and Aberystwyth and it’s already been to Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge and Brecon. It is also exploring further options in North Wales.
Other testing events are available:
- Sunday 11 May at Glamorgan Cricket Club
- Sunday 1 June at Narberth RFC
- Sunday 8 June at Aberystwyth RFC
