Prostate Charity Offers Free Testing Session To Mark World Cancer Day

Published on: 19 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 20 Jan, 2026

Prostate Project Man Van. The message is: “Get tested.”

By David Reading

Blood tests that help detect prostate cancer are being offered free to men over 50 at Guildford Cathedral on February 4 – which is World Cancer Day.

The tests are being organised by The Prostate Project charity, which says one in eight UK men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Two of us on The Dragon team can testify to the importance of early testing.

Martin Giles: Full of praise for the Royal Surrey

Editor Martin Giles asked for a prostate check when suffering from sciatica, believing that somehow there might be a link with prostate cancer.

Although it transpired that his sciatica was not linked, a PSA test (Prostate Specific Antigen) was given. This showed a reading of around five so he was referred for an MRI scan, which was conducted within a fortnight. The scan showed that cancer was likely but limited to the prostate, and a biopsy confirmed this.

Martin received what he feels was exemplary and caring treatment at the Royal Surrey, Guildford, undergoing brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy) which has been effective. It was the early diagnosis that probably prevented the cancer from spreading.

David Reading: Treated successfully

My own case is remarkably similar. I consulted the Bartlett Group Surgery in Ash Vale about leg pains and the surgery decided that although there could be many causes, a PSA test was advisable because of my age. This showed a PSA reading of just under five and when further testing showed cancer, which had not spread, I too underwent brachytherapy at the Royal Surrey. This treatment was successful.

The leg pains had another, non-serious cause, and I am thankful to the Bartlett Group that they were on the ball and to the urology team at the Royal Surrey.

The free testing on February 4 will take place at Seasons Café at the Cathedral between 11am and 3pm. Booking is essential.

The Prostate Project says: “The early stages of prostate cancer are often symptomless, but caught early enough it is usually treatable, which is why we encourage men aged 50, or 45 if black or with a family history of the disease, to take the simple PSA blood test.

“This event is the latest high profile opportunity for us to promote awareness of prostate cancer.”

Paul Jones: His annual G-Live concert has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds

Singer Paul Jones, of Manfred Mann fame, is a prominent supporter and fundraiser for the Prostate Project, using his influence to host an annual star-studded concert at G-Live, Guildford, in which he is accompanied by  musician friends. In the past these have included Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Lulu, Andy Fairweather Low and many others.

Over the years hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for mobile testing units and research, emphasising that early detection via PSA blood tests is crucial.

Describing the February 4 testing session, the Prostate Project says: “Working in association with our partners at Heim and Medefer, a quick blood sample will be taken and following the test, the results will be sent by email and there will be expert clinical nurse follow-up for any cases where there may be a cause for concern.”

You can book online using this link, and volunteers will be on hand on the day to answer questions. Tests are free, but donations are welcomed.

Free parking is available at the Cathedral.

The Prostate Project is a volunteer led charity. You can find out more about their fundraising initiative to develop a vaccine, which will prevent cancer from returning in men that have undergone a radical prostatectomy. Follow this link:

Vaccine Appeal

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