Pompey are pleased to announce that – in conjunction with the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal (BKPCA) – we will be hosting a PSA testing day during the 2018/19 season.
All men aged 50 and over, or 45 and over with a family history of cancer, are welcome to attend.
In 2015, following his own diagnosis, Burnley’s vice-chairman Barry Kilby launched the appeal to provide opportunities for men to be tested for prostate cancer – a disease which affects one in eight men in the UK.
Initially launched at the Premier League club’s Turf Moor ground, other clubs have since approached Barry to ask for a testing day, keen for their fans and the wider community to benefit from the initiative.
Around 2,000 men have been tested to date and least 100 lives have been saved by this approach.
Barry’s own diagnosis came about by chance and men often experience few, if any, symptoms, while there is not currently a national screening programme.
He said: “As a rule, men don’t go to the doctors as often as they should. However, they will go down to their football club.”
Working on this assumption, Barry’s charity appeal began inviting men to come along and have a simple PSA blood test, which can offer an early warning that the disease might be present.
By putting the test into a football environment – a place where men traditionally come together – more publicity can be generated and the response has been incredible.
The date of testing at Fratton Park has yet to be confirmed. Those taking part are asked to donate £5, while the remainder of the cost is subsidised by the appeal.
Pompey Lottery players can also show their support by selecting the appeal as their chosen beneficiary when taking out their weekly subscription.
A small team of canvassers will soon be making their way around the city in a bid to reach out to supporters and the local community.
"It’s only when you start to chat with people that have fought the disease that you start to understand the importance of early detection."
Blues chief executive Mark Catlin said: “I have known and worked with Barry through the Pompey Lottery for a number of years now and closely followed his own fight against cancer.
“It’s only when you start to chat with people that have fought the disease that you start to understand the importance of early detection.
“The chances of recovery increase astronomically the earlier a diagnosis is made. I have to admit my own ignorance in this and was surprised to learn that taking a PSA blood test is quick, simple and painless. Then I wondered why I had not taken it sooner.
“Hopefully we can raise awareness of this and men come along, as I will be doing, to take the test.”
Full details and dates are yet to be announced, but look out for updates on our website, in the local press and on social media.
This approach saves lives, so come along and get tested.