Community centre brings free prostate tests to Kesgrave

Why it matters: All 50 free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests were booked within five days, highlighting the demand for accessible men’s health services when cost is removed as a barrier. Organisers say prostate cancer can have no symptoms in its early stages.

The details: The appointments took place at KWMCC on Thursday, 15 October 2026, and were open to local men aged over 50.

• The event was delivered by CHAPS, a registered charity founded in 2000 by retired urological surgeon Professor Chris Booth, which champions men’s health and campaigns for accessible PSA screening.
• Funding was secured by KWMCC general manager Stuart Lawson through East Suffolk Council’s Communities Budget Team, via Councillor Budgets.
• The centre said hosting the appointments locally provided a convenient and welcoming setting, while encouraging conversations about prostate health.

What they’re saying: Lawson said: “We were delighted with the response to this initiative, with all 50 free appointments booked within just five days. It was fantastic to see local men taking the opportunity to prioritise their health, and the CHAPS team were incredibly professional, ensuring everyone was seen in a timely manner.”

He added: “Prostate cancer can have no symptoms in its early stages, so it’s important not to wait for symptoms before seeking advice about your prostate health. Well done to everyone who attended and took that step.”

The bigger picture: According to CHAPS, prostate cancer is the most common major cancer in the UK, with one in eight men likely to be affected. The charity says there are 57,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths each year.

Sonia Shelcott, chief operating officer of CHAPS, attended the event. She said prostate cancer was the only major cancer without a national screening programme, and that introducing one could halve the death rate.

“Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and causes no symptoms until it has spread. That is why screening needs to be done before symptoms arise,” she said.

“As 1 in 4 men with an abnormal PSA will have prostate cancer, this event could potentially save three or four lives through early detection of this silent killer.

“We know early detection saves lives and whilst there is no national screening programme our charity will continue to screen, lobby and educate.”

What’s next: KWMCC hopes the initiative will be the beginning of further opportunities to support the health and wellbeing of the local community through similar projects.

Lawson said: “We hope this project encourages more people to take steps to look after their health and highlights the importance of making preventative health services accessible within our community.”

The bottom line: Through the efforts of a community centre and a charity, free prostate checks were offered to 50 men in Kesgrave - and with every appointment booked up, organisers hope it is the first of more local health projects like it.

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