Prostate cancer test offered at Midhurst drop-in

A blood test and awareness event is set to be held this Saturday at the Methodist Church Hall in North Street from 10am to 2pm, supported by the Midhurst Lions Club.

Organiser Roger Macdivitt, from Haslemere, said he set up a not-for-profit group to promote awareness of blood testing after a personal tragedy.

He said: “I got into it because I lost my wife to endometrial cancer two years ago.

“There were no signs until it was too late and I found that is often the case with prostate cancer as well.”

He has now made it his mission to raise awareness of the importance of men having a blood test for psa levels, which, while not 100 per cent accurate, can give an indication of whether cancer is developing or if the blood reading should be monitored.

At an event held recently in Haslemere, Roger said that of 160 people attending, 12 had had readings that indicated a check-up would be advisable.

He said all men over the age of 45 were entitled to a blood test but few people thought of it as something necessary.

“It’s actually something like 95 per cent survival rate [for prostate cancer] if it’s caught early and people don’t, because they’re fit or well,” he said.

“For the sake of taking a simple test, the risk’s not worth taking.”

People can drop in any time or pre-book a time slot but Roger said no one would be left waiting for too long.

The sessions are hosted by the North Surrey Support Group.

Volunteer nurses and phlebotomists take the blood test samples for submission to laboratories, a fee of £20 will cover costs of testing.

A support line is available on the organisation’s website for men needing information or support regarding prostate matters at Romacmail.net.

Booking information can be found at Romacmail.net or by ringing Roger on 01428 661356.