As we mark Men’s Health Month (November), the chair of South Wales Police Federation has praised the organisers of the potentially life-saving prostate screening campaign.
Phil Walker said the organising team, led by Chief Inspector Jay Davies, ‘should be proud of what they achieved’.
He added that the three screening events, which the Federation helped support financially, were ‘worth every penny’ and could potentially save lives.
Phil said: “The screening campaign has been such a huge success.
“I’m delighted that the investment from South Wales Police Federation and the Force has helped to raise a lot of awareness in Force, and also among friends and family, about prostate cancer, prostate issues, and the PSA testing.
Save lives
“It will save lives and is worth every penny.
“I’d also like to thank Jay Davies, Jon Griffiths, and the organisers for the work and effort they have put into the campaign.
“They should be proud of all that they have achieved for staff and for officers in South Wales Police.”
South Wales Police chief officers were among those who had a PSA test.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, and former Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis joined officers and staff at the three PSA testing sessions held across the Force.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan is tested
The tests were organised by the Force’s Men’s Health Network with Prostate Cymru – a charity dedicated to fighting prostate cancer, procuring equipment, and raising awareness.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. It affects one in eight men in Wales, and the risk increases to one in three if there is a family history of the disease, which is the main reason the group is holding testing events.
The South Wales Police campaign began with an awareness session at Force headquarters.
It was followed by three PSA testing events at Force headquarters in Bridgend, Swansea Central police station, and Cardiff Coroner’s Court, inside Cardiff Central police station.
Prostate
The PSA test is a blood test to help check for prostate conditions. They were made available for male South Wales Police officers and staff aged 40 or over.
The drive was funded by the Force and South Wales Police Federation.
Chief Inspector Jay Davies said that similar events in other police forces have led to early diagnoses for officers and staff, who have been successfully treated.
“To know that for a small amount of money you could potentially save the lives of people we work with and give others that peace of mind, then it’s worth it,” he said.
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