Westbury Lions hope to save lives with free prostate screening

Members of Westbury Lions have launched a new project which could ultimately save lives in the town. 

The group, in partnership with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, will hold a free prostate blood screening event for local men. 

This vital health initiative offers blood testing as a simple, quick and effective way to detect the early signs of prostate disease, often before any symptoms appear. 

Lion Deb Eardley said, “We’d heard about the success of the prostate screening event held by our neighbouring Lions in Warminster, and the demand there for the service. We thought it would be great to do something similar in Westbury. 

“We have space for 120 men to come along to the screenings. There will also be volunteers who have had prostate cancer and can chat about their experience. We hope to remove the ‘taboo’ over prostate cancer and encourage people to talk about it more.” 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with over 52,000 new cases in the UK each year. More than 12,000 men die from prostate cancer annually. 

Early detection is key, Deb says. 

She added, “Like any cancer, you have to catch it early to get a good prognosis. 

“We really hope to raise awareness and encourage men to come along in September. If someone were able to be diagnosed early thanks to our event, wouldn’t that be amazing? 

“Come along — it’s completely free. You can have your blood test taken, and if your levels are high, you will be notified and, if you wish, you can follow that up with a GP appointment.” 

Westbury Lions secured a grant via Wiltshire Council’s Area Board funding, which means the screening will be entirely free for people to attend. 

The event, open to men over the age of 40, will take place on Saturday 6th September between 10am and 2.30pm at Leigh Park Community Centre. 

Advance booking is essential as spaces are limited to 120 appointments. Test results are confidential and will be sent to participants privately. 

Visit www.westbury-lions.org.uk/events/psa-screening-event to book, or call 01926 419959.

Pictured: Westbury Lions outside the Leigh Park Community Centre where the free testing will take place