Prostate Project Launches Man Van to Help Early Detection of Curable Disease

Published on: 12 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 13 Sep, 2024

Second from left, Mayor of Guildford Sallie Barker, then drummer Kenny Jones (charity patron), Martin Davies (chair) and second from right High Sheriff Shahid Azeem.

The High Sheriff of Surrey and the Mayor of Guildford joined in a launch event for the ‘Man Van’– a new mobile PSA blood testing clinic that will be travelling all over Surrey helping to save and prolong the lives of countless men. The event took place last week on Guildford High Street.

Guildford based charity the Prostate Project plans to visit workplaces, sporting and social events, concerts and gala days across the region, with the van offering men over 45 the chance to check their PSA levels, using a simple blood test which helps detect prostate cancer.

Inside the Man Van, equipped to carry out the potentially life-saving testing.

Prostate cancer kills more than 14,000 men each year in the UK, but diagnosed early enough it is one of the most treatable of all cancers. But early stage prostate cancer is often symptomless, which is why getting tested is so important.

The Prostate Project raised more than £200,000 to buy and equip the specially adapted vehicle, and they will be working with other charities to make sure that as many men as possible ‘Get Tested’.

Martin Davies, chairman, explains the importance of the new service. “We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff to the official launch of the Man Van. For us to deliver this life-saving vehicle in our 25th anniversary year is a source of great pride to everyone at the Prostate Project.

“When the charity was formed, it was the straightforward aim to improve the chance of men beating prostate cancer and this mobile clinic will ensure that we continue to do so.”

The Prostate Project has raised more than £11 million in the past 25 years, money that has helped to build the world-renowned Stokes Centre for Urology at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, and fund ground-breaking research at the University of Surrey.

Stephen Langley, Professor of Urology at the Royal Surrey, has been one of the major driving forces behind this project and he is delighted that the vehicle is now on the road.

Actor Felicity Kendal and Professor Stephen Langley at The Stokes Centre for Urology when it opened in 2021.

He said: “This wonderful Man Van superbly complements our world-class Stokes Centre for Urology and will help us detect prostate cancer in men before it causes any symptoms.

“Our regional NHS targeted screening programme, working closely with local GP surgeries, has tested the PSA of 22,000 men over the past 12 months and shown the importance of early detection of prostate cancer at a stage when it is at its most curable.

“I believe our Man Van will help improve both the awareness of prostate cancer and our ability to test for the disease and so improve men’s chance of beating it.”

The High Sheriff, Mr Shahid Azeem DL, said: “I can’t begin to stress the importance of the Man Van, which provides a vital service that can save many lives. I was very pleased to go along and learn more and be able to shine a light on the Prostate Project. I urge men to take the initiative and get tested – it could save your life.”

More information about the Man Van can be found by visiting https://prostate-project.org.uk