What to do next

Most Important: If you are aged 50 years or more and have any of the symptoms and risks mentioned, book an appointment with your GP and request a Digital Rectum Examination (DRE). If the prostate is enlarged and/or is not smooth and soft to the touch, this could indicate a problem that may need further investigation and tests.

Independent of the DRE, you may want to be reassured by requesting a PSA blood test which your GP cannot refuse. However, your GP will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the PSA test result to help you decide whether to go ahead with the test.

Independent of whether you have or had prostate cancer, know somebody who has or has had prostate cancer, or have any of the symptoms mentioned, your actions regarding the following would be appreciated.

If you agree with the conclusions reached in the “Reasons Against and For National Screening” section, then please carry out the following:

1. Compose a suitable e-mail to your family, friends, colleagues, associates, as you feel appropriate, explaining why you agree with the conclusions reached in the “Reasons Against and For National Screening” section and send this e-mail with an electronic link and/or reference to this web site for their support and action.
2. If you know people who do not have access to a computer and/or e-mail, download the “Reasons Against and For National Screening” document and give/send this as a hard copy to them with an accompanying letter/note explaining your support of the conclusions and what to do next.

If you disagree with the conclusions reached in the “Reasons Against and For National Screening” section, then please compose a suitable e-mail to your family, friends, colleagues, associates, as you feel appropriate, explaining why you do not agree with the conclusions reached but request them to make their own decision based on the information provided on this web site.

The Prostate Cancer Charity

In addition to the above, if you are interested in becoming more involved in the awareness of prostate cancer you may wish to consider helping the Prostate Cancer Charity by offering your services in areas such as:

• Making a donation
  Make a one-off or regular donation, leave the Charity a gift in your will or make a donation in memory of a loved one
• Becoming a Volunteer
  Getting involved in the Charity’s work.
• Fundraising Events
  Organise a fundraising activity on your own or as a club or apply for a place in one of the Charity’s events
• Through your company
  Support the Charity through your company or at work: employee fundraising, charity of the year, sponsorship or cause-related marketing
• Special events
  Becoming involved in high profile events organised by the Charity
• Trusts and foundations
  Support the Charity via your Trust or Foundation
• Shop
  Purchase gifts or our branded goods from the Charity
• Recycling
  Recycle your used ink cartridges or mobile phones to raise funds.
• Awareness video
  Viewing and distributing the “Simple Things” download video that raises awareness of how prostate cancer can affect the whole family.

For more detailed information on the Prostate Cancer Charity and to register your interest, go to their website at www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT