Milestone of 50,000 PSA tests for prostate health carried out

Figure reached with latest blood test screening on South Coast, at Burgess Hill in West Sussex

89 men received ‘Red Flag’ results, meaning they need medical investigation via their GPs.

Mario Stevens, third from left, is the recipient of the 50,000 PSA test in free screenings held across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex over the past 14 years by the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (PCaSO). The figure was reached with the latest prostate health screening programme run by charity volunteers in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. From left, Lance Allen, PCaSO Group Secretary, Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett (Lib Dem), Mario, from Uckfield, and Burgess Hill Mayor Stuart Condie.

Mario Stevens, centre, is the recipient of the 50,000 PSA test in free screenings held across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex over the past 14 years by PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (PCaSO). The figure was reached with the latest prostate health screening programme run by charity volunteers in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Joining Mario in the celebratory figure is Burgess Hill Lions President Christine Coxshaw and Lance Allen, PCaSO Group Secretary.

Scores of men’s lives in Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex are thought to have been saved thanks to a prostate health screening programme run by charity volunteers.

A milestone figure of 50,000 PSA tests has been reached with the latest session organised by PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Organisation.

Run since 2011, PCaSO has organised numerous blood test events for prostate specific antigen (PSA), an indicator of prostate health, across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex.

Each screening typically sees a small number of blood samples, analysed at an NHS hospital pathology lab, being red flagged, requiring medical investigation via men’s GPs.

Despite some 33 men dying every day in the UK from prostate cancer, there is no national screening – David Lammy, the government’s Deputy Prime Minister, has called for targeted checks for men at the highest risk of the disease. Both the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for screening and early diagnosis, speaking recently after Sir Chris Hoy’s late-stage diagnosis.

Lance Allen, PCaSO Group Secretary, said: “At our event at Burgess Hill’s Triangle Leisure Centre, jointly with the local Lions on 8 November, testing for 1,144 men, means we will have reached 50,000 screenings since 2011 across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex.

“Our screenings have undoubtedly saved scores of lives, if not more – men with elevated ‘Red’ results, where PSA levels are far higher than normal and are therefore at referral level, seek medical advice afterwards.

“At the Burgess Hill event 89 men were found to have a high PSA reading for their age group, needing further investigation via their GPs. More than half of high readings will usually be found not to be cancerous, but other underlying conditions that can be treated or monitored accordingly.

“If caught early enough, prostate cancer can be managed or treated successfully in many cases, before the cancer has developed or has spread (becoming metastatic).

“Whilst we don’t get to hear the outcomes of any further investigations, for the Red referrals, we take comfort in knowing that our screening programe has highlighted the pressing need for them to seek advice from their GPs.

“Even with a normal PSA, there is still a chance of having prostate disease.

“Therefore, if you are having problems visiting the toilet to pass water frequently, making several visits during the night, having to rush to the toilet urgently, waiting a long time to start, only having a weak stream, passing blood or experiencing incontinence you are still advised to see your GP.

“Some men have double the risk of prostate cancer without realising, being those with close family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancers, or African Caribbean heritage.”

PCaSO’s Sussex branch had organised four large testing events in autumn at Worthing, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill and Peacehaven – all fully booked, with nearly 4,000 men being tested in total.

The Sussex team has been led successfully for more than 10 years by volunteer and former chair Roger Bacon who has recently taken a well-deserved retirement from the role.

The Sussex and Hampshire Branches of PCaSO organised 9,014 PSA tests at 18 different locations over the two counties last year, with a record number of men tested.

Of that number, 393 were found to have a Red result (4.3%) requiring further investigation and 224 (2.5%) with an Amber result who need a further follow up.

PCaSO is a registered charity run volunteers affected by prostate cancer, providing awareness, support for those with the cancer and PSA testing events.

Lance said: “With over 30 men dying in the UK every day from prostate cancer, we urge partners and friends of men to get them tested, particularly in the high-risk groups, because an elevated PSA level can be a cause for medical concern. We know that a lot of men are uncomfortable or embarrassed about healthcare screening, but the price of stubbornness can be advanced-stage cancer or worse – is that a price worth paying?”

A small blood sample from an arm vein is tested, with each participant informed of the result in five to 10 days’ time.

No medical examination takes place.

Founded in 2002, and with hundreds of members, PCaSO has three branches in Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex, with 50,000 PSA tests arranged since 2011.

It is free for men and partners to join PCaSO, and they benefit from newsletters, talks, WhatsApp groups and drop-in sessions – and being part of a friendly volunteer team.

With the support of many local urologists, oncologists and research scientists, the charity is affiliated to The National Federation of Prostate Cancer Support Groups – Tackle Prostate Cancer, and PCaSO is represented on the All-Party Parliamentary Group on prostate cancer screening.

According to Tackle Prostate Cancer, one in six men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetime, with the rates even higher in Black men or those with family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancers at one in four.

Normally the size and shape of a walnut, the prostate gland grows bigger with age and can squeeze the urine tube (urethra) which passes through it, causing urination difficulties such as having to repeatedly wee at night and a weak flow.

Lance urges men: “Don’t just assume this is a sign of aging – it needs checking out!”

Having an enlarged prostate can be one of the most common prostate problems seen in men over 50.

However, for most men it is not cancerous.

Some men with prostate cancer are asymptomatic – the cancer develops in its early stages without symptoms.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 12,000 prostate cancer deaths in the UK every year – 33 a day.

PCaSO states that it costs the charity up to £15 per PSA test per person, with donations encouraged at each event to help cover outlay.