Thatcham health clinic offering prostate cancer tests for all men over 18

A private health clinic in Thatcham has introduced a new screening package testing for prostate cancer in men over 18.

The new Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Package by Total Health West Berkshire, based in Turnpike Road, provides vital early detection and consultation services for the disease, which affects one in eight men.

The news of the new package comes after Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis has become terminal, leaving him with less than five years to live.

Mr Hoy’s revelation has prompted Health Secretary Wes Streeting to call on the NHS to lower the screening age for men.

Tests at the Thatcham clinic have been running since October 30.

Patients can book a PSA blood test for £89. Appointments made in November will have £5 deducted and donated to Prostate Cancer UK.

The full PSA blood test package with a 30 minute GP appointment to discuss the results with one of the clinic’s three private practitioners costs £205. Appointments made in November will have £10 deducted and donated to Prostate Cancer UK.

Tests are open to all men over 18 but are generally recommended for adults over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Speaking more about the service, founder and clinic director Rosie Piercy, from Shaw, said: “Men in particular don’t want to talk about their health.

“[Our GPs] will talk to you about the results and generally how you are and what problems you are having, if there are any.

“Then if they need to do a physical exam, they will do one, but that is not always needed.

“Some men are quite concerned about having that done. It is done as required.”

And explaining why the service was introduced, she added: “A mutual friend got diagnosed with prostate cancer and he was telling everyone to just go and get tested.

“Some of my friends wanted to get tested but were struggling to get an appointment.

“We thought we should highlight this is an opportunity for people.

“Obviously, it’s not for everyone and you can get this on the NHS.

“But for people who are more time constrained or just want to get it done and maybe don’t meet the NHS criteria, then this is why we set up.”

Visit https://totalhealthwestberks.co.uk/service/prostatetestpackage/ or contact 01635 791 301 to book an appointment at Total Health West Berkshire.

Check at https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker on the Prostate Cancer UK website whether you are at risk.

Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, black, or if their father or brother has had the disease.

The clinic also shared it plans to introduce more male hormone blood tests and erectile dysfunction packages over the coming weeks.