A Welsh charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer and it’s coming to Cowbridge on Sunday 23 March. 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 The Bear Hotel.
The events follow a pilot which took place in April last year in collaboration with Swansea City Football Club. 200 men were tested and 18 required further investigation.
Among them was Martin Lewis, Swansea Building Society’s Area Manager for England. The firm has since come on board to sponsor three testing events, including the Cowbridge date. Martin said: “Going for the test turned out to be one of the most important decisions of my life, though I didn’t know it at the time.
Like many men, I had no symptoms and wouldn’t have thought to get tested.” Martin is now undergoing treatment and is urging other men to get tested.
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 Cowbridge because this is where the charity first started. The late Ray Murray founded Prostate Cymru and his wife Lyn is a very valued trustee and fundraiser.”
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. 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 Brecon, Swansea, Cardiff, Llanelli, Narbeth and Aberystwyth and it’s already been to Kenfig Hill.
It is also exploring further options in North Wales.
The testing events will take place on:
• Sunday 23 March at The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge • Sunday 6 April at Brecon Rugby Club • 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