THE FREE PSA testing event held in Redditch on Saturday has been hailed a great success after 240 men signed up for the scheme.
The event at Oakenshaw Community Centre was thanks to the generosity of the Rowlands Trust, Worcestershire Ambassadors, Wythall Masons and Southco Manufacturing
There was also help from the Kingfisher and Nightingale PCNs to promote the event.
The 240 slots were filled very quickly and more would have signed up had there been anymore spaces.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
The organisers said it showed a big demand and need for future testing events in Redditch and the surrounding areas.
The Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group will consider the possibility of a second event in Redditch in 2025 at their next meeting
A total of 230 men turned up for their blood test and were all seen very quickly and the day. The testing process was supported by volunteers.
‘Help and advice’
The Prostate Cancer UK charity supplied plenty of information booklets so information could be provided to men about their prostate and potential issues.
Healthwatch Worcestershire also joined the event and asked men who had been tested questions, including whether they had previously tested, had they been discouraged from having a test and whether they had a family history of Prostate Cancer. This data will enable an improved service for men across Worcestershire.
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests are conducted by NHS phlebotomists employed by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust based in Warwick.
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, men in their 40s can be affected and, in 35 to 40 per cent of positive diagnoses, there will have been no symptoms.
Coffee and a chat
The Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group will be back in Redditch on March 26 for a coffee and chat at Forge Mill.
There, anyone impacted by prostate cancer will be able to meet other people in the same situation as them for friendship and support.
Visit: worcspcsg.com for more information.
