Swansea City AFC Foundation partner with Prostate Cymru to offer prostate cancer testing at the Swansea.com Stadium
Swansea City AFC Foundation has joined forces with Prostate Cymru to provide prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday April 14.
Every 45 minutes a man in the UK dies of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be symptomless, and an early diagnosis can save lives.
The Foundation has teamed up with Prostate Cymru to provide PSA testing to men from the age of 40, who can book a time slot between 10am and 4pm on Sunday April 14 at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Swansea City, Compass and Nationwide Building Society have contributed to support Prostate Cymru and the Foundation to fund this event, which aims to empower men with knowledge and early detection, taking steps towards reducing the damaging impact of prostate cancer.
Tina Tew, chief executive of Prostate Cymru, said: "Prostate Cymru is thrilled to support Swansea City and its Foundation in their initiative to provide PSA testing to their fans and staff.
“It's a fantastic pilot to be involved in, and we are grateful for the collaboration with the football club, Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, Compass Catering and Nationwide.
“The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust will provide two seasoned phlebotomists, lab testing of the PSA results, and their experience hosting PSA Testing Days.
“We’re proud to provide dedicated medical professionals who will administer the PSA tests, as well as our specialist nurse, Gaynor Newton, who will provide aftercare and answer any questions or concerns.”
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation, Paul France, added: “I am delighted Swansea City AFC Foundation can offer free prostate cancer testing in partnership with Prostate Cymru.
“Having lost my own father to a different form of cancer at the age of 47, I have first-hand experience of the impact cancer has on families. If my father had gone for an earlier check, he may still be here today.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in Wales, so we hope that many men will take advantage of this event and that together we can help to extend or save lives.
“The tests cost £25 each, but we are able to offer them free of charge thanks to Swansea City, Compass and Nationwide Building Society. All we ask is for a voluntary donation on the day of the test that will enable us to offer more tests in the future.”
Claire Atherton, member relationships director at Nationwide Building Society, jumped at the opportunity to help make the event a possibility.
“I have seen first hand the impact of this wonderful charity, so as soon as Paul (France) shared his desire to collaborate with Prostate Cymru to offer a test to 250 men over the age of 40 for signs of prostate cancer, I thought, ‘I can help with this,’” said Atherton.
“I’m incredibly proud to be involved with this amazing initiative, which will undoubtedly encourage more men to have the screening, potentially save lives and remove the cost and barrier for testing.”
Swansea City great Alan Curtis has experienced his own battle with prostate cancer and knows how critical it is for men to get tested.
“As someone who has suffered with prostate cancer in my lifetime, I would urge everybody to come along, whether you have symptoms or not, and get yourself tested because it’s proven that early diagnosis improves your chances of recovery,” said Curtis.
If you are worried about your risk of prostate cancer, you can click here to fill in Prostate Cymru’s free prostate health checker, as a quick and confidential service that can help you make the right choice for you.
All appointments must be booked in advance. For instructions on how to book your slot, please click here.