FREE tests, which could help detect a cancer that affects middle-aged men, are being offered to patients at a Basingstoke hospital .

Men over the age of 45 are being offered a blood test, which can give an early indication of prostate cancer, at BMI The Hampshire Clinic , in Basing Road, Old Basing.

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test will be available for free throughout September, in support of the Urology Foundation’s Blue September – their male cancer awareness month. Men can make an appointment with a consultant urological surgeon for a PSA test, a free consultation and examination, and an explanation of the results.

Consultant urological surgeon Mr Chris Eden said: “Every day, I see the effect prostate cancer can have on men and their families. It is important to diagnose the disease early as this is crucial in improving a patient’s outcomes.

“That is why we are urging men to educate themselves about the risks of prostate cancer.”

Symptoms include difficulty starting to pass urine, a weak or dribbling urine flow, passing urine more often or at night, discomfort while passing urine, a feeling the bladder has not emptied properly, blood in urine or semen and new pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.

Justin Hely, executive director at BMI The Hampshire Clinic, said: “Thirty-seven-thousand men are diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK, yet over 70 per cent of adults in the UK have no knowledge of the common symptoms and treatment of prostate cancer.

“We hope that through this awareness campaign, men will develop a better understanding of the signs and the preventative measures that can be taken to ensure they are not at risk. “This disease is the most common form of cancer in men and we hope that through better education and awareness, more men will be diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage.” To book a free appointment with the hospital, call 0808 101 0376.