Men from Ilford and the surrounding area are being offered the opportunity to get tested this National Prostate Cancer Screening Day at Ilford Wanderers Rugby Football Club.
Online booking is now open for the event on Saturday 21 March 2026, which runs from 10am-2pm and is open to all local men aged 40 and over. The event is being led by nurses from The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, and it’s part of a network of events across the country organised to mark National Prostate Cancer Screening day: a nationwide initiative led by the charity Prostate Cancer Research to improve access to these potentially life-saving tests. Each booking slot is available at a subsidised rate of £12.50 per person, thanks to funding from Prostate Cancer Research.
The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test itself is simple and quick requiring only a small blood sample. Elevated PSA levels can indicate potential prostate issues and signal whether further medical investigation is needed. Results will be sent directly and confidentially to each participant, along with clear information on what the results mean and recommended next steps, which may include a follow up with their GP.
Addressing an important need in the local population
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with 1 in 8 diagnosed in their lifetime1. In London, 12.5% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are stage 4, meaning it is often too late to be cured.2 When detected early, survival rates are significantly higher – yet too many men are still diagnosed at a later stage.
Some men face a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Those with a family history of the disease are more likely to be affected and Black men are at even greater risk, with around 1 in 43 expected to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. For men in these higher-risk groups, being aware of the symptoms and considering early testing can make a vital difference, helping to identify potential concerns at a stage when treatment is most effective.
However, there is currently no national NHS prostate cancer screening programme for prostate cancer, but men can approach their GP to request one.
This is why community-focused testing events such as National Screening Day are important opportunities to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk and the importance of early diagnosis, ensuring more men can easily access testing and ultimately reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses across the region.
Advance online booking is essential, and spaces close a day in advance: https://pcr.mypsatests.org.uk/
