Welcome to the READING LIONS CLUB (CIO)

Our Prostate Cancer Awareness & free PSA blood test event

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We have been made aware that the Rutherford Cancer Centre, Thames Valley went into receivership effective from Thursday 9^th June 2022. However, arrangements are being made for any missing results letters to be reissued. Pease make contact with us via: secretary@readinglions.org.uk and we will endeavor to assist you. We are sorry if this causes any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Why is PSA testing important?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and more than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year � that's 129 men every day. 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.*

The aim is to make the local community aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and to offer free PSA blood screening tests, as early detection and treatment can vastly increase the chances of survival. In 2019 free PSA tests were given to 1,600 men in the region.

* https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/about-prostate-cancer

If you would like to donate in support of our Prostate Cancer Awareness events simply do so via Thank You!

Useful links: and NHS Prostate Cancer Be informed before choosing to take a test.

Why test?

With one man every hour dying from prostate cancer and 47,500 new cases every year the Lions Club of Reading aims to provide a FREE PSA blood test to as many men over 50 as possible who chose to take the test. It's well proven that early detection and treatment may vastly increase your chances of survival.

What happens on the day?

The PSA test is a blood screening test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and by prostate cancer cells. It�s normal for a man to have a small amount of PSA. A raised PSA level may however suggest a problem with the prostate, but not necessarily cancer.

The event is open to all local men aged between 50 and 75 years. We particularly encourage men to come if they have never been tested before. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases as you get older. Currently, the majority of men are diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 80, but increasing numbers of men are coming for testing at an earlier age.

As there is currently no screening programme in the UK for prostate cancer, having a free PSA test can help to increase the chance of prostate cancer detection.

Staff will be on hand from both the Reading Lions Club and the Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley, as well as Berkshire & Surrey Pathology who are providing the phlebotomy services and support for the blood tests. There will also be healthcare professionals available to answer any questions you may have about PSA testing.

You are reminded that by definition the test is only an indicative one and we strongly urge you to follow up with your GP if advised to do so. Very occasionally the result could be normal even though your prostate is abnormal and you should seek advice from your GP if you have trouble passing urine or other troubling symptoms.

Who?

All men between the age of 50 and 75. We would like you to pass the word to family, friends and work colleagues. Our aim is to reach as many men in the Reading area as we can.

How long does the test take?

Please allow 30 to 45 minutes for check-in at the centre and test although this may take longer at busy times. You will be required to book a time slot in advance as we are inviting by appointment only.

How Much?

The test is free of charge to all men attending and is part funded by Reading Lions Club with valued sponsorship and support from Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley and other local businesses. The costs of holding an event of this type is approximately £20,000, largely due to the cost of the laboratory analysis (around £20.00 per test).

Any donation by you on the day is gratefully accepted and will help fund and expand this vital work.

Alternatively please send a cheque direct / pay direct into our Charity Account as follows: Click here for the Gift Aid form..... Please make your cheque payable to: The Lions Club of Reading and endorse the back with 'prostate event' and send to Lion Secretary Jo Hamblin, c/o 18, West Court, West Drive, Sonning, Reading, RG4 6GL.

'Men Against Cancer'

standing up for cancer

Sir John Madejski and Lion John Mack are supporting prostate cancer awareness.

READING LIONS CLUB:

The Lions Club of Reading is a local group of volunteers who aim to promote the health and wellbeing of the Reading community by improving the local environment, helping individuals in times of need, supporting Reading based community groups and local charities. Every penny raised goes into our community projects. Our aim is to serve the people of Reading and make a difference. Lions Clubs are also members of an international network of men and women with more than 1.4 million members who all work together to answer the needs that challenge communities across the world.

If you would like to nominate a local cause, offer your assistance as a 'Friend of Lions' or find out more about our clubs fundraising and social activities then call 0345 8337 431 or email: secretary@readinglions.org.uk

Company and individual sponsorship opportunities are available and welcomed for this and other events.