Prostate screening event attended by 500 men

Five hundred men have attended a free blood test event to check for signs of prostate cancer.

The screenings, for men over the age of 40, took place at Stoke City's Bet 365 Stadium, and were organised by Stoke-on-Trent Lions Club.

"All it is, is a simple blood test. It's not invasive, so there's really nothing to worry about," said Carol Godden, one of the organisers.

"It means the world to us, because we do this in memory of a dear friend and fellow Lions member who actually died of stage four prostate cancer, having not had any tests and having not had symptoms," she added.

The test analyses the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood and is used as a measure of prostate health.

Godden said the results were usually returned within a few days, and about one in ten of the men attending were expected to be given advice to speak to a doctor for further checks.

They hoped to continue running the events each year, she said.

One of those attending to support the event was former Stoke City footballer, Phil Heath, who played for the club more than 150 times in the 1980s.

He was himself diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

"It means so much for me to be there," he said.

"I want to help anybody who does want to go and get a test, and just give them advice."

He said he had left his test "too late" and that while he tried to get tested earlier, the delay in getting tested ended up having an impact on his eventual treatment.

Heath had 20 rounds of radiotherapy and his prostate removed, but in June this year he rang the bell after being given the all-clear.

"It's not a finger test, it's a straightforward blood test now," he added.

Also supporting the screening session was retiree John King, 67, who attended a similar event four years ago.

He was told his PSA levels were higher than they were supposed to be and was advised to visit his GP.

He was then referred for further tests, including an MRI scan and a biopsy, which led to him being given a diagnosis.

"There's nothing worse than being told you've got cancer, but it's better than not knowing you've got it and it getting progressively worse until it gets to the point where you can't treat it," he said.

The blood test was "pretty painless" he said, and getting the results meant people had information about whether or not they needed further testing or treatment.

"I think it's important – if I can share my story and it helps just one person then it's well worthwhile."

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