Two Lancashire housebuilders have led a drive to test as many people for prostate cancer as possible at a development in Leyland.

In partnership with The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, Barratt and David Wilson Homes encouraged their employees to sign up for a free PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, hosted in one of the show homes at Centurion Village on Longmeanygate.

Prostate Cancer UK reports that more than 64,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year across the UK, and one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

As the most common cancer in men in the UK, an early diagnosis is critical. Prostate Cancer Research highlights that the 10-year survival rate is over 90% for men diagnosed at stages one and two, 80% for stage three and 18.6% at stage four.

The event organised by Barratt and David Wilson Homes was for its employees who are more susceptible to prostate cancer, which is men aged 40 and above or those over 38 with a history of the illness in their family.

A phlebotomist was stationed in the show home between 10am and 3pm on Thursday 23rd July as 48 of the housebuilders’ employees attended for their tests.

One of the staff members tested on the day was Alan Watt, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Manchester. He said: “It’s absolutely vital that men of a certain age register for a PSA test. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and an early diagnosis can make a huge difference.

“We were pleased to see so many of our colleagues sign up for this screening at Centurion Village and take the time out of their day to put their health first.”

Andrew Taylor, Planning Director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: “We really appreciate the opportunity to work with The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust to raise awareness of prostate cancer and ensure as many of our colleagues can be tested as possible.”

Many things can affect a PSA, but a high level means you should consult a GP for further investigation.

Paul Foster, MP for South Ribble, said: “Prostate cancer is an issue close to my heart – my grandfather sadly lost his life to it, and my father is currently battling the disease at stage four. That's why I'm so pleased to see local employers like Barratt and David Wilson Homes stepping up to make testing accessible for their staff right here in Leyland.

"Too many men still don't realise they can ask their GP for a PSA test, or put it off because they feel fine. Initiatives like this one at Centurion Village remove those barriers and could genuinely save lives. I'd urge every man over 40 and, especially anyone with a family history like mine, to take up the offer of a test whenever they can.”

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms at first. The NHS notes some initial symptoms include finding it difficult to start peeing or straining to pee, having a weak flow of urine, ‘stop-start’ peeing, needing to pee urgently or often, feeling like you still need to pee when you've just finished, and peeing during the night.

Graham Fulford, Founder of The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, said: “Workplace PSA testing is a fantastic opportunity to find prostate cancer earlier, when treatment options and outcomes are often much better. We would like to thank Barratt and David Wilson Homes for recognising the importance of men’s health and making PSA testing easily accessible for their employees."

To learn more about further symptoms and expert guidance, visit the NHS website.

For more information about the housebuilders, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Lancashire and David Wilson Homes in Lancashire.