Free Match-Day Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Argyle are doing our bit to help fans check their health. 

The club, in partnership with men’s cancer charity the Chestnut Appeal, will be hosting a free clinic ahead of the men’s first-team fixture against Ipswich Town on Saturday, 2 March. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 men diagnosed every year and 12,000 men dying from the disease every year. 

We know there are supporters who may not have easy access to screening, and may not always prioritise their health. The Chestnut Appeal will be running the clinic, for 300 men, at the Life Centre next to Home Park Stadium, and it is in honour of one of their founders, Dr Salvo Natale that the initiative is taking place.

The idea for the initiative came from the club secretary Zac Newton, who knew Dr Natale (pictured below) initially through the Chestnut Appeal and more latterly as a passionate supporter of Argyle. Zac said: “Salvo very sadly died last year; he was an incredible man and dedicated fan of the club. The idea to honour his memory and help fans think of their health felt right and something that I am sure Salvo would have supported. 

“A simple test can save lives. I ask everyone to encourage their dad, brother, nephew, uncle, and son to get tested. Often there are no symptoms for prostate cancer, but this test could help find it early and hopefully lead on to successful treatment.” 

If you are aged 50 and over, or over 45 with the possibility of higher risk factors then please book your place today: www.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/ 

Scroll down to The Chestnut Appeal event on Saturday, 2 March, click the padlock icon and then input password 'PLYMOUTH' in the box that will appear at the top of the screen. This will then lead you into the page to book your space. 

Higher risk factors to having prostate cancer include: 

• Family - if prostate cancer is in your family history, your risk is higher.

• Age - as men get older they have an increased risk of prostate cancer. 

• Ethnicity - black men have a much higher risk of developing this type of cancer. 

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood to help diagnose prostate problems - including prostate cancer. 

Prostate cancer is now the third most common cancer in the UK. Early diagnosis is crucial, but symptoms do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the urethra. 

Founded in 1999 at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, The Chestnut Appeal team work right across Devon and Cornwall. They raise funds to pay for the latest equipment to make treatment of cancers easier, help fund the work of specialist nurses, endeavour to develop and help patient led support groups and offer respite free holiday breaks for those recently diagnosed with cancer. 

Chestnut Appeal’s Chief Executive Officer, Lesley-Ann Simpson MinstF (Dip) said: “Without Dr. Salvo Natale, the Chestnut Appeal for Men's Health may not have existed in its current form, and as we reach our 25th anniversary, we hold thanks and gratitude for a man that worked tirelessly throughout his life to support men with prostate cancer, and we are forever grateful.  
 
“Dr Natale is deeply missed by us all, so for the charity to be running this massive PSA testing event, looking for prostate cancers in our community, with Plymouth Argyle, in Salvo’s name, is testament to how well known, liked and how much he loved the club.” 

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with around 490,000 men living with and after prostate cancer. 

The PSA testing will take place from 11.30am until 2.30pm at the Life Centre, via a private entrance next to Home Park Stadium on the day of the Ipswich game. Signage will help with wayfinding as well as the 'Here to Help' team wearing purple high-vis jackets. 

BOOK HERE: www.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/