Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy proton beams instead of photon x-ray beams or electrons. Carefully measured doses of protons are delivered to the precise area needing treatment, using the latest IBA ProteusONE technology. This ensures that the delivery of proton beam therapy is highly accurate and prevents the risk of radiation reaching surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy is used to kill and destroy cancer cells. It utilises radiation in the form of high-energy x-rays, known as photons, to kill and damage the cancerous cells and prevent their growth and reproduction. It can be used as a non-surgical option to treat cancer, and it can also be used to shrink a tumour or in combination with other treatments.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres and Elekta are bringing the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology centres across the UK, with the new MR-linac Elekta Unity now available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
Check your prostate health with the Reading Lions Club at its Free Prostate PSA test event.
The Reading Lions Club is hosting its annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Event and Free Prostate PSA Test on 16th November 2019 at the Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley. The event will run all day (8am-6pm), and there are half hour time slots available to choose from.
Register here to attend:
Online pre-registration is required to secure your place.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and over 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that's 129 men every day. 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. *
The aim is to make the local community aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and to offer free PSA blood screening tests, as early detection and treatment can vastly increase the chances of survival. Last year free PSA tests were given to 2,300 men in the region.
How does the test work?
The PSA test is a blood screening test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and by prostate cancer cells. It’s normal for a man to have a small amount of PSA. A raised PSA level may however suggest a problem with the prostate, but not necessarily cancer.
The event is open to all local men aged between 45 and 80 years old. We particularly encourage men to come if they have never been tested before. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases as you get older. Currently the majority of men are diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 80, but increasing numbers of men are coming for testing at an earlier age.
As there is currently no screening programme in the UK for prostate cancer, having a free PSA test can help to increase the chance of prostate cancer detection.
Register here to attend:
Online pre-registration is required to secure your place.
Staff will be on hand from both the Reading Lions Club and the Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley, as well as Berkshire & Surrey Pathology who are providing the phlebotomy services and support for the blood tests. There will also be healthcare professionals available to answer any questions you may have about PSA testing.
This year we are strongly encouraging all those wishing to attend to pre-register online to help the event run more smoothly and efficiently. You will be able to choose a time slot during the day when you wish to attend as well as complete an online application and consent form.
Test: On the day a small blood sample will be taken by trained phlebotomists and sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis to determine PSA levels. The test itself only takes a matter of minutes (attendees need to allow 30-45 minutes for the test and registration).
Results: After the event, the results will be examined by a local consultant urologist and then sent directly to every man tested. A results letter will be coded red, amber or green and will provide advice on next steps to take, if any.
Please note: The test is only an indicative one and we strongly urge a GP follow up if advised to do so. Very occasionally the result could be normal even though the prostate is abnormal, so seek advice from a GP if there are any issues or concerns.
Register here to attend:
Online pre-registration is required to secure your place.
Should you need to ask any questions or have any concerns before you attend this event, please call Reading Lions on: 07881 903 042 or 0845 833 7431.
NB: When registering, if possible, use Google Chrome as your web browser to ensure a smooth registration process. If you have any difficulties when registering, please email charlotte.geer@therutherford.com, and leave your contact details for the Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley to get back to you.
Getting to the event:
The event is being held at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in Thames Valley, please visit the centre page for directions for getting to us.
RUTHERFORD CANCER CENTRES is at the forefront of innovative cancer care, delivering the highest quality imaging, diagnostics, planning, and treatments including proton beam therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley is located just 25 minutes away from central London.
READING LIONS CLUB is a local group of volunteers who aim to promote the health and wellbeing of the Reading community by improving the local environment, helping individuals in times of need, and supporting Reading based community groups and local charities. Every penny raised goes into community projects. The aim is to serve the people of Reading and make a difference.
Donations are welcome to support the Reading Lions Club in delivering this important annual event, as well as all its other events run throughout the year to support the community. If you would still like to donate simply do so via: http://bit.ly/2E0rXm7.
Further information
Still not sure about sure about taking the test? Click here to read more about the prostate and to help you decide whether you'd like to be tested. More information and advice about PSA testing can also be found via the links below: