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Hundreds to attend prostate cancer screening

PA A blue rubber gloved hand holds up a glass tube with a blood sample in it.PA
A prostate-specific antigen test measures the level of PSA in a sample of one's blood to check for signs of cancer

Around 300 men have registered to attend a prostate cancer screening event over the weekend.

The Northampton Prostate Cancer Support Group (NPCSG) organised it at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground, where a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, will be offered.

The test can help identify prostate issues, including cancer, in early stages.

Oliver Kemp, who runs the NPCG, said a larger rollout of the screening programme across the country would help to "find as many people [with the cancer] as possible".

Robert Constantin/ BBC A man with white hair and glasses in a blue polo and a grey cable knit jumper stands central to the camera. Robert Constantin/ BBC
There was no history of cancer in Ross Thompson's family so it came as a surprise to be diagnosed with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and regular testing can aid in catching it early when treatment is most effective.

There is no prostate-cancer screening programme in the UK, unlike those for breast, bowel and cervical cancer.

Ross Thompson, from Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 following a PSA, after he realised he was "going to the toilet a lot".

Mr Thompson added: "I had no family history of the disease and never thought to check."

After having the cancer removed with robotic surgery, Mr Thompson was discharged in September, “totally free” of the disease.

The same event was held last year and 253 men attended the group's screening.

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