LOCAL NEWS
Say hello to the Prostate Project W
e are a volunteer-based charity helping to support world-leading prostate cancer research at the University of Surrey and world class treatment at the Stokes Centre for Urology at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Our fundraising efforts provided almost half of the £6 million that it took to build the Stokes Centre and today we continue to support vital work improving outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Stokes Centre for Urology was officially opened in 2019 and is now firmly established as a world-class facility for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, it is also a hub for research, with Prostate Project funding helping scientists and doctors working at other local hospitals and the University of Surrey to continue their life-saving work. Every penny raised by the Prostate Project is used to buy equipment, assist research or raise awareness of prostate cancer and the vital message for men aged 50 or over to get a PSA Blood Test, because the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of a more successful outcome. There are some stark facts about prostate cancer. ■ 12,000 men a year die from prostate cancer ■ 1 in 8 males will get prostate cancer ■ 1 in 4 black males will get prostate cancer ■ Men aged 50+, with a family history or black men are most at risk ■ The largest killer cancer among men ■ Early Diagnosis = Better Prognosis
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But, if caught early enough, it’s one of the most curable forms of cancer that there is, and just to put every man’s mind at rest, we have moved on from the old-fashioned ‘finger up the you know where test’, nowadays, the best way to find out is with a simple blood test, called the PSA. Early stage prostate cancer is often symptomless, which is why having the PSA test is so vital, and it is exactly why the Prostate Project is raising the £200,000 necessary to buy, equip and help operate a mobile PSA Blood Testing Clinic. The mobile testing unit will be used to visit workplaces, sporting venues and outdoor events, raising awareness of prostate cancer and providing a clinical environment for men over the age of 50 to take their simple PSA blood test. Operated by the NHS, and working with the Surrey & Sussex Cancer Alliance, the mobile unit will provide access to testing for lower income groups, minorities and individuals that are unable to make a GP appointment. It will also address a situation caused by COVID which has resulted in over 3,000 fewer referrals in Surrey and Sussex for suspected prostate cancer. For more information about the Prostate Project and to see how you can help raise funds for the Mobile PSA Testing Clinic, please visit www.prostate-project.org.uk and if you are over 50, have a family history of the disease or are black, there’s no need to wait for the Unit, just contact your GP to discuss having a PSA blood test. ■
