A CARLISLE councillor has shared the story of his cancer diagnosis - which he said he discovered using an £8.99 testing kit bought online.
Cumberland Liberal Democrat Councillor Brian Wernham has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, following intitial tests using a PSA testing kit from Amazon.
Cllr Wernham said: “I am so glad I bought a cheap and simple PSA test on Amazon – it immediately alerted me to a prostate problem.
"I had mild symptoms of stomach cramp and waking to urinate in the night. So I bought a home 'Prima Home Test Prostate Test' on Amazon for £8.99. It came the next day.
"It is a simple home lateral flow test using a prick of blood. It tested positive."
Cllr Wernham then purchased a prostate specific antigen test kit for £60, again from Amazon.
The next morning he was contacted by a nurse, who said the PSA 'total' and 'free' levels were both positive.
This week, he said he had an MRI scan and saw a consultant by video link.
He said: "I have a prostate cancer. I don’t know yet which type. The cancer may be treatable by tablets, or chemo or radiotherapy or by surgery."
Brian will have a CAT scan and biopsy to determine the seriousness of the cancer and the appropriate treatment.
He said: "The treatment may be mild, or it may be debilitating, so my future is uncertain. I urge all men over 50 to use the cheap test every six months – you never know, it might just have saved my life.
“I am lucky that my partner, Anna, is being super supportive. She is a treasure.”
Cllr Wernham said: "If you have any symptoms go and see your doctor, it does not hurt at all to use a home test.
"This could save a few lives in my opinion, as a screening tool."
The NHS encourages anyone with concerns to visit their doctor. The NHS website said: "There's currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK.
"This is because it has not been proved that the benefits would outweigh the risks."
Amy Rylance, head of improving care at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Men over 50 have a right to a PSA blood test for free from their GP if they want one. However, the individual benefits of a PSA blood test will be different for each man.
"This is because some men will have more risk factors than others or will have pre-existing health conditions.
“That’s why it’s really important that before men have a PSA test, they get balanced information or counselling from a health professional, and that they get professional follow up about their result and what to do next.
"This is not viable with home testing kits.
“Prostate Cancer UK is working hard alongside the NHS to proactively engage those men at high risk of cancer about the PSA blood test and help them make an informed choice about what they want to do.
"That’s also why we’ve developed our 30 second risk checker, to help give men the information they need.”
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