Dozens referred for cancer tests after Bridgnorth screening event

Those that attended the screening at the Castle Hall last month have been receiving their results this week.

According to the retired consultant urologist, David Baxter-Smith, 51 men were identified with red or amber alert results.

The results refer to the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels in their blood which could indicate signs of prostate cancer.

Mr Baxter-Smith has written to each of the 900 men who took part and has given them red, amber or green ratings.

An amber alert is given to a man whose level is at least 50 per cent higher than his result last year, even though it might have been within the normal range at that time.

Meanwhile, an amber result is acceptable but men are advised to have the PSA test done at least every 12 months.

He said: “41 of the men had red levels which I regard as abnormally high, 10 had amber alerts and 26 had amber results.

“The blood tests are not completely reliable and there may be other medical reasons why they had abnormally high or high levels. However, my advice to these people is to seek an immediate follow-up with their own GPs.

“Men who receive a letter with a ‘green’ rating should have no concerns – however, having an annual follow up is vital to ensure that any changes in PSA levels are spotted early.”

Analysis of the results showed that the majority of men were from Bridgnorth. while others were from surrounding villages including Highley and Alveley, which benefited from the Lions efforts to reach outside the normal area.

Bridgnorth Lions President, Colin Thomas, said: “Since starting the screening programme in 2009 the number of men tested continues to reach high levels. In fact, since the beginning we have carried out more than 6,000 tests.

"During this time an estimated 300 men have been found to have prostate cancer, with most of them displaying no symptoms whatsoever. Many of them have received successful treatment.

"The need for such testing – which is not normally available within the NHS for men without symptoms – is clearly welcomed by our local population.

“There is , of course, a substantial cost involved in arranging the screening – this year we’ve appreciated the increased generosity of men attending on the night but we’ve also benefitted from the help of several companies including Bridgnorth Aluminium and Craven Dunnill. In addition, lottery funding has helped us ensure the future of the event for the next three years”.