Hundreds turn out for prostate cancer test in Bridgnorth

It was part of a series of events organised by the Lions Club and aimed at middle aged men who are traditionally reluctant to go to the doctor.

More than 1,500 men have been tested so far in the four years the Lions have been hosting the tests.

And they are paying off, with more than 50 being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, while another 200 being monitored.

Peter Parker, chairman of the Lions club, said he was delighted with the turn out for last night's event at Castle Hall West in Bridgnorth.

It followed a recent session at The Cosy Hall in Newport in which more than 300 turned up to be tested.

Mr Parker said: "Well over 200 men tested over the four years have shown early signs of the disease and are being closely monitored by their doctors.

Importance

"It is a simple blood test carried out by nurses. It doesn't hurt and is very effective.

"The results are sent away for analysis. Every man who is tested will receive a letter from our consultant urologist showing the level of prostate specific antigen, or PSA, in their blood and giving advice as to whether or not any further action is required. Last year more than 450 men turned up."

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK, accounting for almost a quarter of male cancers.

Each year, nearly 35,000 men are diagnosed and more than 10,000 die from the disease. Men over 50 may develop early prostate cancer at the curable stage and a simple blood test may indicate the signs of early changes. Bridgnorth Lions carry out this event annually in October or November.

David Baxter-Smith, consultant urologist, who carries out the tests, said: "The men of Bridgnorth obviously realise the importance of the test. The work done by the Lions in organising the event has paid dividends with this size of recent attendances."

Newport Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Newport hosted the sessions held in the town earlier this month, when 342 men were tested. Of those, it was expected that between 10 and 20 men would receive letters telling them they needed further examination.