MEN are being urged to come forward and take part in a free check that could save their lives. 

Basingstoke Golf Club is hosting a charity event in support of the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation, a charity for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

The support group has been running events for many years and is supported by consultants.

Ron Waller, from the organisation, said: "I am sure there is no need to provide details of deaths from this cancer - one death every hour says it." 

He said the free checks would be offered from 10am until 2.30pm on May 13 - and they have already seen a good take up, although there are still spaces left. 

He added: "We already have 264 clients signed up with 88 places left." 

Hosted and administered by volunteers, the checks will see blood tests taken by NHS phlebotomists. Results are returned directly to individuals from an NHS laboratory in under 10 days.

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Depending on the results, clients can take the next step. Hopefully, it will be to continue life reassured knowing their PSA is as it should be. If the test indicates the PSA is higher than normal, a visit to the doctor might be needed.

Ron said there are anxieties about the blood test giving false positives, although these fears can be reduced if those being tested follow a few simple rules in the 48 hours prior to the test, by not cycling, horse riding or engaging in any sexual activity.

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Tests are free but cost the charity between £12-15 - donations are welcome. Donations avoid the charity having to run coffee mornings or other fundraising events.

The event is being held at Basingstoke Golf Club, Down Street, Dummer, RG25 2AD. Parking is available in the Southern Communications car park, next to Basingstoke Golf Club. Signs will be in place on the day to navigate traffic.

To register, go to pcaso.org and look for PSA testing, or google 'PCaSO'. Once on the site, follow links to Hampshire events. Alternatively, use the QR code on the picture.