The support of the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group probably saved Graeme Smith’s life.
Graeme was tested at one of the group’s sessions in October 2021 and received a letter telling him his Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level was high and advising him to go to the doctor.
He did go to his GP and a further test put him on the borderline of further investigation.
Second opinion revealed he had prostate cancer
Graeme went back to the IWPCSG who suggested a second opinion. This revealed Graeme did have prostate cancer.
Graeme said,
“I had my prostate removed on the 23rd of March 2023. Just in time as when I was operated on the cancer was just beginning to come out of the prostate.
“The IWPCSG saved my life!”
Graeme is one of hundreds of men tested through the group’s sessions in the battle to detect Britain’s second most common cancer.
PSA test events
Last year, the group held five PSA test events, at Ryde, Cowes, Newport, Totland and Freshwater.
In all, 1,213 men were tested with 134 abnormal results recorded and 254 men deemed to be at high risk.
This year, seven PSA tests are being held at Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Totland, Ryde, Seaview, Newport.
211 men’s lives could be saved at each venue
A spokesperson for the group said,
“We are targeting 275 men at each of these venues with a running time of 9am – 2.15pm.
“Should we find, as per previous tests, that 11 per cent of men present with abnormal PSA results then approximately 211 men’s lives could be saved and 404 men with high risk results given early warning of a possible problem.”
Book a test
For details of how to book a test go to the group’s Website.
NHS phlebotomists attend the sessions to take the blood for the tests.
The samples are then transferred to QA Hospital in Portsmouth for analysis.
Taylor: Our thanks to Wightlink for their support
Alan Taylor, chairman of the group, said,
“We wish to thank our partners in organising and running this event, including all our volunteers on the day, and especially Wightlink for supporting us with travel.”
A Wightlink spokesperson said,
“We are pleased to be help this group which does so much to tackle one of Britain’s most prevalent cancers.”
News shared by Alan on behalf of the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group. Ed
