Pop Up Clinic Results – Tests Can Save Lives

On 2 March, 338 men were tested in a pop-up clinic hosted by Plymouth Argyle and men’s cancer charity the Chestnut Appeal. 

The free blood test clinic for male supporters took place before Argyle played Ipswich Town at Home Park, and was set up to check PSA levels in blood to help detect whether anyone was at risk of prostate cancer. 

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced in cells of the prostate gland and the PSA test measures the level of protein in the blood.  

Each test took less than a minute to administer and results were sent to supporters within 48 hours with a guidance on whether their PSA level was red, amber or green. Anyone who fell within the red or amber category has been advised to read their results carefully and follow the advice given. 

From 338 men tested there were: 

 
This means that 32 men need to take further action; very nearly 10% of the men tested. It may surprise some that in the Red category the men are aged 49–77 years old and for Amber, 42–77 years old. 

If anyone is worried or wants further information, feel free to contact The Chestnut Appeal by calling 01752 430 840, emailing chestnut.appeal@nhs.net or visiting Support - The Chestnut Appeal for Mens Health where you can receive support. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Argyle, Siobhan Robbie-James, said: “Those in the Green category now know what their 'normal' PSA number is and as it increases, (slowly with age), all these men are all now better equipped to be aware of any changes that may happen and be able to tell their GP - what their 'normal' number was. 

“A simple test can save lives. Often there are no symptoms for prostate cancer, but this test could help find it early and hopefully lead on to successful treatment.”   

The idea to host a clinic at was to honour Argyle fan and founder of the Chestnut Appeal, Dr Salvo Natale. Dr Natale helped many men against prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men. Each year, more than 52,000 men are diagnosed, and 12,000 die. 

The club hopes that it can continue to raise awareness and help make testing more accessible by hosting the clinic on an annual basis. 

If you are aged 50+, or over 45 with the possibility of higher risk factors, and were unable to make use of the Home Park pop-up clinic, please look to book in a test at other local events held by My PSA Tests today: www.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/   

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.