A CANCER support group in Hampshire is encouraging men to have regular check-ups, with the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane explaining his experiences. 

North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group's recent meeting held last month featured speaker, Dr Steve Allen, who is the acting chair of Tackle Prostate Cancer, a support group aiming to tackle cancer. 

Dr Allen spoke to a room filled with people about the available methods of finding out whether someone has prostate cancer or not. Varying from X-rays, ultrasound scans to positron emission tomography (PET) scans and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) scans. 

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After an insightful talk by Dr Allen, those who attended showed their appreciation which was described as "heartfelt". 

The group was also honoured to have the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller, who was joined by his wife Mayoress Sandra Miller, to share his own experience.

The mayor explained his initial concerns raised at a routine check and recently being treated with brachytherapy, which involves the use of radioactive seeds inserted inside the tumour. 

He placed a very strong emphasis on men’s reluctance to act early on health warning signs, and the need for people to talk more, encouraging men to undertake routine checking.

The group’s vice chair thanked both men for their very positive support to all the group members.