Hundreds of Preston men were screened for signs of prostate cancer in the Autumn and the latest blood test event is coming back to Deepdale.

The free event in The Great’s Room at Preston North End follows the event in October when 234 men were tested for the disease.

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Around 10 per cent of those tested received red or amber letters advising a visit to the GP for further investigation.

Conlon Construction hosts the event in association with their community partner The Walnut Group.

Extra nurses and testing kits are being put in at Deepdale to cope with expected demand.

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Neil Conlon of Conlon Construction said: “Following the record turnout of the last event, we knew this was something we wanted to host again. One of those who received a red letter was only tested by chance as he just happened to be visiting PNE’s shop that day. Knowing that this event has potentially saved or prolonged even just one person’s life is reason enough to continue.

“Some men need a bit of a nudge to look after themselves, but we’re encouraging all men who’d like to be screened to turn up. You might not have any symptoms, but it’s worth a few minutes of your time for something that could ultimately save your life.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK with more than 47,000 men diagnosed each year.

Chairman of The Walnut Group Colin Piddington said: “Early detection is often the key to survival and whilst there is no definitive test at the moment, the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test is the best indicator that we have. It’s a simple blood test and all men over 50 years of age are encouraged to attend, although men who are more susceptible to the disease due to family history or ethnicity, and who are over 40, should consider being tested also.

“We are only able to offer this service free of charge thanks to our sponsors, associates and phlebotomists. We would also like to thank our members and volunteers without whom these events could not take place. The Walnut Group meets at Vine House in Ribbleton on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm.”

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The event is free to attend and there’s free parking at the entrance via the Sir Tom Finney stand.

Blood tests take place between 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday (23 March).