1 in every 2 men will have a health problem with their prostate at some stage of their lives. It could be an infection, enlargement or cancer. 1 in every 8 men will develop prostate cancer and those of African-Caribbean origin and those with a family history of the disease are 2 to 3 times more at risk.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, it is a simple blood test that measures the amount of antigen, produced by the prostate, entering the blood. It is not a direct test for cancer, a moderately-raised reading can be an indicator of a prostate problem, a high reading should trigger further tests to determine if there is a need for any treatment.
Without screening, around 57,000 men are diagnosed in the UK with prostate cancer each year. It is now the leading cancer found in men. Around 12,000 men die of this disease annually, one every 45 minutes.
Caught in the early stages, cure rates are dramatically improved with over 80% success. General symptoms of problems with the prostate are frequent need to urinate especially at night; bursting to urinate, slow flow, difficult, painful; stop/start and dribbling, or blood in the urine.
Tonbridge Lions Club, with the charity PCaSO (Prostate Cancer Support Organisation) is offering FREE PSA testing for men aged between 40 and 80, on Saturday 18th May 2024. TM Active is providing the facilities at the Angel Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge TN9 1SF for this important event.
To book a test, which takes approximately 20 minutes, go to www.pcaso.mypsatests.org.uk Register an account, select ‘Tonbridge’ from the ‘events’ menu, book an appointment time and enter your details.
For enquiries only (not bookings) phone 01926 419959 (Mon to Fri. 9 to 5pm)
The testing will be conducted by trained phlebotomists taking blood from a vein in the arm, this will be analysed at a laboratory and the result is either posted or emailed to you where it will be available on your secure area of the bookings website.
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