MEN aged 40 or older in Redditch are invited to take part in a prostate health check at the Oakenshaw Community Centre in March.
All that is involved is a simple blood test with results set to be received within 48 hours.
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests are conducted by NHS phlebotomists employed by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust based in Warwick.
Anyone wishing to have an appointment must register online through: mypsatests.org.uk and clicking on to events and selecting the word ‘Redditch’.
No one will be tested unless they have registered.
The event on Saturday March 8 is being organised by the county’s Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) which is concerned that only three or four of its 500-plus members live in the Redditch area.
The group is keen to improve awareness through participation in the Blue Monday mental health day at Redditch United FC on Monday (January 20) and a free coffee and chat event at Forge Mill in March.
In 2025 there will be PSA testing events organised by the county PCSG in Pershore (June) and Kidderminster (September).
In addition, the Worc-estershire Ambassadors are organising an event in Worcester in March, and Wychavon District Council is due to fund another later in the year.
One of the main aims of the group is to ensure more men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at stages 1 and 2, rather than 3 and 4.
As the case of Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy demonstrated a few months ago, men in their 40s can be affected and, in 35 to 40 per cent of positive diagnoses, there will have been no symptoms.
Editor of the Standard, Tristan Harris is booked in to have his levels checked.
He said: “These days we all have busy lifestyles and men statistically are notoriously bad for not undergoing health checks.
“So, when a scheme like this comes along, and makes it as easy and convenient as possible to get these things checked out it is important as many men as possible take advantage of it.
“While most men’s tests will come back fine, it does have the potential to flag up any issues and possibly save lives.”
