There is still time for African Caribbean men to take advantage of a prostate screening session in Burton, backed by a former British middleweight boxing champion.

So far 16 men have signed up for the screening with the Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at The Burton Caribbean Association, in Uxbridge Street, from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 9.

The session, which includes a PSA blood test and prostate examination, has space for around 35 men so there is still time for anyone thinking about booking themselves in to take the plunge.

This latest screening session is being supported by former Burton boxer Neville Brown, who took the test himself as he did not want to feel like a "hypocrite" telling other men to do it.

It is aimed at getting African Caribbean men to take the test as they are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Generally, in men, there is a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer; for African Caribbean men the chances are slimmed to one in four which is believed to be down to their specific DNA.

Former boxer Neville Brown having his prostate screened at Queen's Hospital. He is having his prostate screened with Jyoti Shah to encourage more African-Caribbean mean to get the screening as they are at higher risk. Also Jyoti and Sarah are up for some awards so going to get the information on that at the same time.
Sarah Minn taking Neville's blood, which is also part of the screening process
Sarah Minns taking Neville Brown's blood, which is also part of the screening process for prostate cancer.

Jyoti Shah, a consultant urological surgeon for Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "There is nothing to lose by coming to this screening.

"If you have got the time then this is an investment in your health. This is a good opportunity that does come around that often.

"We had a brilliant take-up at the Pirelli Stadium and the risk for African Caribbean men is much higher so men really need to go for this.

"I think that it is brilliant that we have had so many booked in so far. I said that if 15 to 20 men signed up I would be really happy and we have got that but I would love it if more people got involved."

Miss Shah launched the Inspire Health – Fighting Prostate Cancer campaign, a collaboration between the Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Burton Albion Community Trust, which sees the screening sessions go out in to the community to men in a place where they already feel comfortable. The campaign has already seen more than 350 men get tested, with 24 found to need further treatment.

Former boxer Neville Brown having his prostate screened at Queen's Hospital. He is having his prostate screened with Jyoti Shah to encourage more African-Caribbean mean to get the screening as they are at higher risk. Also Jyoti and Sarah are up for some awards so going to get the information on that at the same time.
Pictured: Former Boxer Neville Brown, Jyoti Shah urological Consultant
Former boxer Neville Brown having his prostate screened at Queen's Hospital by urological consultant Jyoti Shah.

She said: "This has really got the conversation going about prostate cancer. If men don't come to screening at least this have got them talking about their health and prostate health which is a big step in itself."

Men wanting to book themselves in for the screening can do so by calling 01283 511511 ext 6445 or email Imogen.O'Neill@burtonft.nhs.uk.

More information is available by visiting www.fightingprostatecancer.co.uk

Did you know?

Tomatoes and vegetables in the broccoli and cauliflower family help to protect the prostate

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly and has a low risk of spreading, so it may never cause you any symptoms or problems in your lifetime. In other words, it is often not life threatening. Because of this, slow-growing prostate cancer might not need to be treated, but monitored instead.

Who is at risk?

There are several things that may mean you are more likely to get prostate cancer.

Age - Prostate cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50 and your risk increases as you get older. The average age for men to be diagnosed is between 70 and 74 years. If you are under 50 then your risk of getting prostate cancer is very low. Men under 50 can get it, but it isn’t common.

Family history - You are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has been diagnosed with it, compared to a man who has no relatives with prostate cancer.

Ethnicity – Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than men of ethnic backgrounds. The reasons for this are not yet clear but might be linked to genes. In the UK, about one in four black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

Lifestyle – No-one knows how to prevent prostate cancer, but a healthy diet and lifestyle may be important in protecting against it.

Looking for a job? There are thousands available at www.Fish4.co.uk