Milford Haven Man urges to get tested for Prostate Cancer after Stage 4 Diagnosis
A 56-year-old Milford Haven man, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, is urging men to get tested at a Prostate Cymru event in Narberth.
The Welsh charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer and it descends on Narberth RFC on 1 June.
Prostate Cymru is embarking on the mission as men continue to face difficulties in getting a free PSA test from their GP. This is despite the fact that men with prostate cancer often have no symptoms.
Already, more than 1400 men have been tested so far with 90 of those receiving a red alert following events in Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge, Brecon and Swansea. This means they are advised to visit their GP to follow up.
The charity is appealing to men aged 50 or over – or those aged 45 or over if they have a family history of prostate cancer or if they are Black - to get tested.
Guy Woodham, a local councillor and former mayor of Milford Haven, was 55 when his GP suggested a series of tests as a "bit of an MOT."
He was fit, healthy and had no symptoms:
"My GP phoned me to tell me that my PSA reading was raised. I was referred to a urologist and had further tests which showed an abmormality. I braced myself to hear that I might need surgery but I wasn't prepared to hear the news that it was already stage four and that it had spread to the bone. Suddenly, I had incurable, advanced cancer.
"I am now doing everything I can to raise awareness. My message to men is that you can feel fine but you may have prostate cancer. There's no screening programme currently. Some GPs are reluctant to do a PSA test as it's not always reliable but it's all we've got at the moment. So get yourself signed up to the testing event in Narberth or go speak to your GP."
Guy – who led a team of more than 20 on Prostate Cymru's Big Walk last year which raised more than £10,000 - is currently responding well to treatment but says:
"Hopefully my story's helped at least one other person. Because if you catch it early, something can be done. Most of the time, I feel positive. I still don't have any symptoms and I have virtually no side effects from hormone treatment."
The campaign has been described by Prostate Cymru as "ambitious and costly". More than 3000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000. Prostate Cymru is working with sponsors at each event to make this possible while individuals will be asked to donate £10.
JCP Solicitors has chosen Prostate Cymru as its Charity of the Year and is proud to be sponsoring the upcoming Narberth testing event. Hayley Davies, Director and CEO said:
"It's important for us to support local causes, and we are pleased to play our part in raising awareness of prostate cancer. We also want to help our colleagues, their families, and local communities access PSA testing.
"One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but early detection makes it much easier to treat. We strongly encourage men across the area to sign up and get tested."
Tina Tew of Prostate Cymru says:
"All men over 50 are entitled to a free PSA test from their GP. That drops to 45 if there is a family history or if they are Black. However, we constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test.
"The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test. Narberth will be our sixth testing event and we've received so much feedback from men, whether that's from those who now know they need to visit their GP for follow-up tests or from those who now have peace of mind."
On the day, a specialist nurse and consultant will be on hand to provide more detailed information on the test, and what happens next in the event of a positive test result.
Following Narberth, there is a further event at Aberystwyth RFC on Sunday 8 June with plans to add a date in North Wales:
Milford Haven Man urges to get tested for Prostate Cancer after Stage 4 Diagnosis
A 56-year-old Milford Haven man, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, is urging men to get tested at a Prostate Cymru event in Narberth.
The Welsh charity is touring the nation to test more than 3000 men for prostate cancer and it descends on Narberth RFC on 1 June.
Prostate Cymru is embarking on the mission as men continue to face difficulties in getting a free PSA test from their GP. This is despite the fact that men with prostate cancer often have no symptoms.
Already, more than 1400 men have been tested so far with 90 of those receiving a red alert following events in Kenfig Hill, Cowbridge, Brecon and Swansea. This means they are advised to visit their GP to follow up.
The charity is appealing to men aged 50 or over – or those aged 45 or over if they have a family history of prostate cancer or if they are Black - to get tested.
Guy Woodham, a local councillor and former mayor of Milford Haven, was 55 when his GP suggested a series of tests as a "bit of an MOT."
He was fit, healthy and had no symptoms:
"My GP phoned me to tell me that my PSA reading was raised. I was referred to a urologist and had further tests which showed an abmormality. I braced myself to hear that I might need surgery but I wasn't prepared to hear the news that it was already stage four and that it had spread to the bone. Suddenly, I had incurable, advanced cancer.
"I am now doing everything I can to raise awareness. My message to men is that you can feel fine but you may have prostate cancer. There's no screening programme currently. Some GPs are reluctant to do a PSA test as it's not always reliable but it's all we've got at the moment. So get yourself signed up to the testing event in Narberth or go speak to your GP."
Guy – who led a team of more than 20 on Prostate Cymru's Big Walk last year which raised more than £10,000 - is currently responding well to treatment but says:
"Hopefully my story's helped at least one other person. Because if you catch it early, something can be done. Most of the time, I feel positive. I still don't have any symptoms and I have virtually no side effects from hormone treatment."
The campaign has been described by Prostate Cymru as "ambitious and costly". More than 3000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000. Prostate Cymru is working with sponsors at each event to make this possible while individuals will be asked to donate £10.
JCP Solicitors has chosen Prostate Cymru as its Charity of the Year and is proud to be sponsoring the upcoming Narberth testing event. Hayley Davies, Director and CEO said:
"It's important for us to support local causes, and we are pleased to play our part in raising awareness of prostate cancer. We also want to help our colleagues, their families, and local communities access PSA testing.
"One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but early detection makes it much easier to treat. We strongly encourage men across the area to sign up and get tested."
Tina Tew of Prostate Cymru says:
"All men over 50 are entitled to a free PSA test from their GP. That drops to 45 if there is a family history or if they are Black. However, we constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test.
"The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test. Narberth will be our sixth testing event and we've received so much feedback from men, whether that's from those who now know they need to visit their GP for follow-up tests or from those who now have peace of mind."
On the day, a specialist nurse and consultant will be on hand to provide more detailed information on the test, and what happens next in the event of a positive test result.
Following Narberth, there is a further event at Aberystwyth RFC on Sunday 8 June with plans to add a date in North Wales:
If you would like to register for a test, please email psatest@prostatecymru.com or Click here