An event offering free prostate cancer screening to local men saw over 300 men tested to help identify early signs of the disease.
Organised by Warminster Lions Club in conjunction with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, the event saw 324 men aged between 40 and 80 receive a free blood test. The screening day took place on Saturday 18th October at the Thomas Arnold Hall in Warminster School.
“What a huge success Saturday’s prostate cancer screening has been,” said Warminster Lions Club President Ros Harrison. “We have served our community exceptionally well by providing a lovely setting, thanks to the generosity of Warminster School, and a well-organised process and friendly atmosphere for all those who visited.
“Thank you to the eight local companies who sponsored this testing. There were many positive comments and compliments from everyone I spoke to, and it was a day that reminds us what it is to be a Lion and to be part of such a terrific team serving our local community.”
Men were offered a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, currently the best method of identifying increased risk of prostate cancer in men with or without symptoms. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 52,000 men diagnosed annually.
The Lions previously held a screening event in April 2024, in which 211 men were tested. This year, using funds raised through the Lions’ charity bookshop in George Street, along with support from Warminster School and eight local businesses (Airey and Guy, Allsop Carpets, David Wiltshire Photography, Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, Cooper and Tanner, Homemaker, LHCS, and The Motor Showroom), the capacity for tests was increased to 350.
Nick Humpherson from the Lions said, “We love doing it as a Lions Club because it provides a service to the community, and men’s health is in greater awareness because of it; it’s no longer a taboo that can’t be talked about.”
Pictured at top: Lions and healthcare professionals from the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust ready for the day ahead
