'It saved my life': Ipswich prostate cancer screening event open for bookings
Chris Spall was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 47 after attending a CHAPS blood screening event – now his sister Emma Atkinson is hosting one in Ipswich to give other men the same chance.
Why it matters: Prostate cancer testing is not routinely offered on the NHS to men under 65, but the charity behind the screening event says earlier detection through a simple blood test can save lives – even in men with no symptoms or family history.
The details: The CHAPS blood screening event will take place at St Augustine's Community Hub Hall, Bucklesham Road, on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 from 17:30 to 20:30.
- The event is open to men aged 40 and over
- It costs £35 per person, with the money going towards the cost of blood testing
- Organisers say each man will be "in and out within 15 minutes"
- Bookings can be made via the CHAPS website at chaps.uk.com/events
The event is being hosted by Emma Atkinson in support of CHAPS – The Men's Health Charity – and the East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group.
The personal story: Emma's brother, Chris Spall, was 47 when he attended a CHAPS blood screening event. His results came back abnormal, prompting him to seek further tests from his doctor.
Scans and additional blood tests confirmed he had prostate cancer, making him one of the youngest men to be detected with the disease through the CHAPS screening process. He had no family history and no symptoms.
Chris chose to have his prostate removed, requiring no further treatment and is now living a "normal" life.
What he's saying: "It's great that there are these events, so men can get tested – even if they don't have any symptoms or family history," Chris said. "It gives them peace of mind – it simply saved my life."
The bigger picture: The charity is working with the NHS to gather more information about the disease, with the eventual aim of having testing offered to a wider age range of men. At present, NHS prostate cancer testing is routinely available to men aged 65 and over, though the organisers say some men are still being refused a test.
Even where prostate cancer is detected, the charity says it can be treated and monitored through regular blood tests.
The bottom line: A simple 15-minute blood test in Ipswich next month could give local men the same early warning that, in Chris Spall's case, made all the difference.
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