A WELSH charity is touring the nation to test almost 4000 men for prostate cancer and it’s coming to Colwyn Bay and Llangefni in September.
Prostate Cymru has set out 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
- Colwyn Bay Cricket Club on September 6
- Llangefni Fire Station Sunday on September 7
Already, 155 men have received a red alert following events in Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge, Brecon, Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen, Narberth and Aberystwyth. This means they are advised to visit their GP to follow up.
Neil Ackers knows all too well how important it is to get tested. The 52-year-old from Prestatyn discovered he had prostate cancer through a routine PSA test at work, having served North Wales Police for 36 years.
Neil said: ”If I had not attended that PSA test at Denbigh Police Station, I would not be here today.
”When I received a red letter warning me of my high PSA score, I took it to my GP. Initially, I was advised that, because of my age, I didn’t need to worry about prostate cancer because I was too young.”
But Neil insisted on a follow-up and, despite delays due to Covid, he had surgery in January 2020:
“I was advised by my consultant that I hadn’t had surgery that January, my outlook would have been very bleak. They caught it just in time.”
Neil has since become involved with The North Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group which meets in Rhyl, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and Tywyn.
It is a group which aims to support men who have either recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, have undergone treatment or just need someone to talk to about their Prostate Cancer journey. He is also an ambassador for the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust (GFCT).
Graham Owen was 63-years-old and living in Llangefni when he was diagnosed.
Graham said: “I had an appointment with my GP about a different matter. My wife suggested that I ask for a PSA test. She had a bit of a niggly feeling that something might not be quite right.
“I ended up being referred to Ysbyty Gwynedd and had a biopsy and MRI which confirmed prostate cancer and I had surgery to remove it.”
Graham is now 71. His PSA levels are monitored every six months. With friends who faced the same diagnosis, he is now setting up a Prostate Cymru Friendship Group in Anglesey and Gwynedd:
Graham added: “I would really urge other men to get tested. I had no symptoms and am very lucky to be still here and I’m now keen to do my bit to support Prostate Cymru.”
Tina Tew of Prostate Cymru said: “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 run eight testing events with another two dates in North Wales.”
The charity describes the campaign as “ambitious and costly”. Almost 4000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000. Prostate Cymru has worked with sponsors at events to make this possible while individuals will be asked to donate £10.
On the day, a specialist nurse 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 Swansea, Cardiff, Narbeth, Aberystwyth, Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge and Brecon.
If you would like to register for a test, please visit PSA Testing Events @ CYMRU – PROSTATE CYMRU.
You will need the following event codes to register:
- CBCC25 – Colwyn Bay Cricket Club on September 6
- LLAN25 – Llangefni Fire Station on September 7
