The Barry Kilby Prostrate Cancer Appeal is holding their next PSA testing day at the Turf on Saturday 1st June from 10am to 1pm. If you're aged 45+ and haven't been tested why not get down there and have a test. Donations of £5 - £10 on the day.

PS - As stated below, it's a simple blood test. Nothing too scary.

I suggest this for everyone in that age group. I had my first test 15 years ago and wound up having two (very unpleasant) biopsies which were thankfully eventually found to be negative but they looked after me on a regular basis for 3/4 years before 'discharging' me. I must have had these tests on a regular basis for most of those 4 years. It's a simple blood test. Okay, if it is high you may have to have a biopsy (not nice but you won't die from it ) but it could save your life. Prostate cancer is easilly curable but over 9k men in this country die every year needlessly because they don't get themselves checked out. If you are found to have it it isn't something to fear greatly unless you've had it years, it is a slow burner and older guys can even outlive it but, as I said, it is an easilly curable cancer.

Do this guys - you know it makes sense.

Was speaking to someone recently who has just had surgery for prostate cancer and only found out because of one of these testing days. He's doing OK now and is back at work.

That in itself shows just how good these days are for those who don't or won't go to their GP for a test. Well done to all involved in setting them up.

Missed it last time, won’t miss this one.

Cheers for the heads up.

Very commendable.

Be aware that a negative result in a PSA test will not rule out any prostate problem, whereas a positive one will only rule one in potentially, leading to further tests.

Agree that testing and screening is nothing but positive, but do not rely on a negative test as meaning you are "clear".

Bump.

Do they let you know the results there and then?

RingoMcCartney wrote:Do they let you know the results there and then?

No. It’s a blood test so needs to be sent off for analysis. Not sure how long it takes but I think you will be contacted by post.

ClaretTony wrote:No. It’s a blood test so needs to be sent off for analysis. Not sure how long it takes but I think you will be contacted by post.

Cheers Tony.

great that this service is provided, big pat on the back for this scheme, well done.

want to go to this ..I'm nearly 46 ..but have no family history of prostate troubles ..would they still test me ?

Blackburnclaret wrote:want to go to this ..I'm nearly 46 ..but have no family history of prostate troubles ..would they still test me ?

Don't see why not.

ClaretTony wrote:No. It’s a blood test so needs to be sent off for analysis. Not sure how long it takes but I think you will be contacted by post.

Results come back in the post in 2-3 weeks.

Leisure wrote:Don't see why not.

Just looked it up and it does say 50 if no family history of the illness or 45 with a family history but would hope they wouldn't turn you away

karatekid wrote:Results come back in the post in 2-3 weeks.

Got mine back the following Saturday from the first testing day, couldn't get in last year, they were queuing out the door by time I got away from work & made it there

I think mine took about ten days to come back but the official line was 2-3 weeks upon enquiry.

Bump.

I only found out I had prostate cancer because I went to one of these screening sessions at the Turf 3 years ago. I had no symptoms at all.

I received a letter a week after the blood test asking me to see my GP as they said my PSA reading was high for a bloke of my age.
Subsequent follow up tests at my doctors confirmed that I had prostate problems and within a few days I was seeing a consultant at Blackburn Royal. A biopsy confirmed that I had cancer.

Within a few weeks of the original blood test at Turf Moor I was undergoing major surgery, a 5 hour operation to remove my prostate gland.
This op was a success and I now appear to be cancer free.
Every 3 months for the 1st 2 years I went back to see the consultant surgeon and to have further blood tests.
I now go back to see him every 6 months, he told me that as things stands they will be able to discharge me completely after another 2 years.

I have a manual job and was able to go back to work 3 months after my surgery.

Just having a simple blood test at the Turf saved me from serious problems maybe 2 or 3 years down the line. Barry Kilby does a marvellous job in helping to organise/promote these screening sessions so get down there on Saturday and get yourself checked out!

Better safe than sorry.

Where in the Turf is it being held?

Just do it - it can save your life
That’s a pretty good incentive

jollyjack wrote:Very commendable.

Be aware that a negative result in a PSA test will not rule out any prostate problem, whereas a positive one will only rule one in potentially, leading to further tests.

Agree that testing and screening is nothing but positive, but do not rely on a negative test as meaning you are "clear".

As jolly Jack says "do not rely on a negative ((or low reading) as meaning you are clear. The Doctor told me this week that whilst PSA testing is good it's not 100% and even if you have a low reading it's important to look out for changes like peeing blood, change in bowel movements, tiredness. He was emphasising the importance of getting checked early if you think things are different to normal. He did say though that it's important for all men to get regular checks and that PSA testing is a very good thing. I too would like to thank Barry Kilby for doing this, (CT, perhaps he should receive an award at the end of season dinner) it's a marvellous gesture and we're all extremely grateful for the work he has put into this.

Just thought I would bring this to the top with it being today.

Over 550 went for testing today.

There were 250 queueing at half 9 according to the reception, I attended at 12 and was unable to be tested as they'd run out kits by twenty to, so they took my details and will be contacting me for the next one.

Caballo wrote:There were 250 queueing at half 9 according to the reception, I attended at 12 and was unable to be tested as they'd run out kits by twenty to, so they took my details and will be contacting me for the next one.

The last one I attended they had run out of kits so I didn get seen. I'm sure they would have allowed for a larger attendance today and brought more kits but perhaps not expected the actual numbers who turned up.

Big turn out today. Went early (09:15) and the queue was almost at the new corner stand then!

Managed to get sorted. Very well organised, and great to see Barry Kilby there chatting to folk.

beddie wrote:The last one I attended they had run out of kits so I didn get seen. I'm sure they would have allowed for a larger attendance today and brought more kits but perhaps not expected the actual numbers who turned up.

They brought 600 kits today, 100 more than last time. A nurse whose hubby was by me in the queue tried to get more syringe kits locally but had no luck. They'd taken 60 names & numbers for priority treatment at the next testing day by the time I'd left mine but a good part of the queue left without leaving theirs & blokes were still turning up as I drove off.

Caballo wrote:There were 250 queueing at half 9 according to the reception, I attended at 12 and was unable to be tested as they'd run out kits by twenty to, so they took my details and will be contacting me for the next one.

Just wanted to clarify my comments, it's not a criticism in any way, shape or form. I think it's brilliant that so many blokes are prepared to get down there, all credit Barry and to everyone involved in managing to engage such a stubborn demographic.

I went across “early” , got there about ten past ten, to avoid the rush!
I joined the back of the queue, which was at the corner of the Jimmy Mac stand by then.
Took about an hour and a half but was very well organised.
It was made doubly worth it with a reet good chat with Barry Kilby, what a super guy - can,t fault him at all.