Simple procedure can save lives
TODAY’S PSA testing day at the Crown Oil Arena resonates closely with associate director John Smallwood.
It was from a random test that Mr Smallwood, who rejoined the club’s board this week, was identified as having the early stages of prostate cancer.
The test saved his life – and he wants other lives saved, too.
“One in eight men will die of prostate cancer at present, which means every 45 minutes in the UK a man dies of prostate cancer,” he said.
“It’s not preventable, but it is treatable if you can find it in time. So what we’re doing is working with the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal. It was set up in 2015 and so far they have tested over 6,000 men. Of those 6,000, most have no problem but some will have.
“What will happen on the day is a simple, short blood test, that blood will be sent away and what is called the PSA – ProstateSpecific Antigen – levels will be tested and anybody with a high level will be referred back to the GP and then you have a chance to hopefully get it treated if there is a problem.
“We will be asking for a donation of a minimum £5 for each test and we do hope that people will turn up and have the test.
“If, within your family, there is a history of prostate cancer, that does increase your risk – but if there is no family history do not ignore it because it doesn’t mean you won’t have it.
“Most men will have no symptoms. The symptoms are found around men’s waterworks generally. I had no symptoms – my prostate cancer was found through one of these tests. It was then monitored for a short while and it’s been treated and I am now clear.
“I have benefitted from this and I think with Barry Kilby’s appeal and the football club doing what we are doing, a lot more men can benefit.
“We will be opening the study centre on Willbutts Lane between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, prior to the Fleetwood game and please do come along.
“We’ve already got commitments from the board and from Keith Hill and several local councillors. But the more people who come, the more lives can be saved.
“You will come in and give your GP details and then you will have a small amount of blood taken, have a small plaster applied and you won’t feel a thing.
“It’s a man’s problem and men of a certain age. We are trying to put something back to the football fans and into the sommunity. You don’t have to be a football fan to come on Saturday, you just have to be aware of it and be aware of your own health.
“A lot of men find it hard to go to the doctor for some reason but this test will either put your mind at ease or put you on track to actually save your life.
“Anybody who wants to come along, our fans, Fleetwood fans, anybody in the local community, please come along and best tested.
“We are the first football club in Greater Manchester to put this on and we’re very proud of that. I just hope on the day that people come out and support us and hopefully we will save some lives.”