A Welsh charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer and it’s coming to Brecon on Sunday 6 April.
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 Brecon RFC.
Local farmer and owner of Pencilli Castle Caravan Park, Gerwyn Rees, is 62 years old. Three years ago, he was given the news that he had prostate cancer:
“A lot of farmers and men living rurally avoid going to the doctors. But my son Morgan noticed I was going to the toilet more often than usual so I went to my GP to get checked out. I had a raised PSA level and things moved pretty quickly from there and I discovered I had stage three prostate cancer. It was a massive shock; cancer’s the last word you want to hear but I’m now on the road to recovery.”
While Gerwyn did have symptoms, often this is not the case with early stage prostate cancer:
“I’m now part of the local Friends of Prostate Cymru group. There are 12 of us and half didn’t have any symptoms at all. So my advice is to go and get tested. If you’re 50 or over, get a test. If you have a family history, go when you’re 45. It’s better to know than to worry. Do it for your family – your partner, your children, your grandchildren. Do if for them and don’t put it off any longer.”
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 Brecon 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 Brecon event is supported by Radnor Hills.
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, Llanelli, Narbeth and Aberystwyth and it’s already been to Kenfig Hill and Cowbridge. It is also exploring further options in North Wales.
The testing events will take place on:
- Sunday 13 April at Swansea.com Stadium
- 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
If you would like to register for a test, please email psatest@prostatecymru.com or Click here