Birmingham Leisure Trust Launches Free Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative
Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT) has unveiled a significant health initiative, committing to fund free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) checks for male employees and customers aged over 40. This program will be available at the ten leisure facilities operated by the trust on behalf of Birmingham City Council, marking a proactive step in community health awareness.
Targeted Locations and Screening Dates
The free PSA tests will be conducted at Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre, Billesley Tennis & Fitness Centre, Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre, Erdington Leisure Centre, Fox Hollies Leisure Centre, Ladywood Leisure Centre, Northfield Leisure Centre, Stechford Leisure Centre, Wyndley Leisure Centre, and Alexander Stadium. Specific dates have been scheduled to facilitate access:
- 7th March at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre, from 10am to 2pm.
- 18th April at Alexander Stadium, from 10am to 2pm.
Collaboration and Purpose Behind the Initiative
BCLT, in partnership with Serco Leisure, is collaborating with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust through its My PSA Tests service to provide these screenings. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with elevated levels potentially indicating prostate conditions, including cancer. This initiative is particularly timely, as Prostate Cancer UK reports that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among men in the UK, highlighted by recent high-profile cases such as Sir Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron.
Steve Nelson, Director of Leisure at Serco Leisure, shared a personal motivation for the program: "A former colleague, Justin Butlin, lost his battle with prostate cancer in early 2024. He often urged me to ensure others get tested early. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, a scheduled health check for Justin was cancelled, potentially delaying his diagnosis. By the time he was diagnosed, the cancer had reached stage 4. This initiative is dedicated to his memory and his advocacy for early detection."
Registration Process and Funding Details
Mark Reynolds, Contract Manager for BCLT, outlined how individuals can participate: "Employees will find posters at each centre with sign-up details, while customers will receive information via email with a unique code for booking. I encourage all eligible men to take advantage of this simple blood test, which could be life-saving." BCLT is funding the first 100 tests for customers; after that, tests can be booked for a fee of £26.
This effort underscores the importance of early detection in prostate cancer, which has a high survival rate when identified promptly. By offering these free checks, BCLT aims to reduce barriers to screening and promote health equity within the Birmingham community.
