The Pompey Lottery have teamed up with The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal to host a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) testing event.
According to Cancer Research UK, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in males in the UK.
Unfortunately, 40 per cent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, which can negatively impact survival rates.
In the UK, one man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes due to a lack of effective screening and awareness.
The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal (BKPSA) was launched in 2016 by Burnley’s vice-chairman Barry Kilby, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer with a PSA level of 80.
Since then, the appeal has carried out more than 3,000 PSA tests and continue to offer these tests at major sporting venues across the UK.
Pompey’s testing day will take place from 10am-1pm on Sunday, March 24 in the Victory Lounge at Fratton Park.
All men over the age of 50 (or 45 with a history of prostate cancer in their family) are encouraged to turn up on the day to be tested, with no appointment necessary.
The non-invasive test involves a simple blood test, which takes only a matter of minutes. Your results are then sent by post or email within 7-10 days.
"It’s only when you start to chat with people who have fought the disease that you start to understand the importance of early detection."
Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin said: “I have known and worked with Barry Kilby 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 who 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 encourage all men to come along on the day to take the test.”
This approach saves lives, so come along and get tested.
BKPCA ask the men who come to be tested to donate to the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal and help contribute towards the cost of the test, which allows them to host more events.
This testing event will be supported by Prostate Cancer Support Organisation, Hampshire (PCaSO) and Mancheck.