Ref. 14551-4SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Prostate Cancer Awareness Week was launched on Monday to raise the profile of the condition, dubbed the silent killer.

It has acquired this name as it can grow undetected. In December, entertainer Bob Monkhouse died from prostate cancer.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden is living proof that early detection of cancer saves lives. Coun Bawden (Old Town and Lawns) was diagnosed with prostate cancer two-and-a-half years ago.

But following a three-month course of radiotherapy he was given the all-clear by doctors. He is due for his next routine blood test in April.

He said: "I didn't have the care of Macmillan nurses but I am totally supportive of what they do."

In August 2001 doctors found that Mr Bawden's prostate was slightly enlarged during a routine check-up.

As a precaution he started to have six monthly prostate specific antigen blood tests, but then his worst fears were realised when it was confirmed he had prostate cancer. He said: "The prostate cancer was picked up initially because I paid for private treatment. I was lucky it was caught at such an early stage.

"More must be done to get men aware that things like this can happen and of course that they can also be successfully treated if detected early enough.

"I don't believe the average bloke is as switched on as the average woman is when it comes to health issues. Men ought to be looking to the GPs and the Government to treat them in exactly the same sort of way that women are.

"The longer men live the more likely it is they will suffer a prostate problem and regular health check-ups and screening will help a lot of them prevent the condition from causing them problems or becoming fatal.

"I do get apprehensive before my check ups as you just never know but, touch wood, I'm OK.

"The appeal has done fantastically well in its first year. I have been following its progress in the Advertiser and am delighted so much money has been raised in such a short period."

The Ridgeway Hospital continues to run its Prostate Screening Clinic, launched last year to help increase awareness of prostate cancer and detect and treat any early symptoms.

For £55 and 15 minutes, The Ridgeway offers fast access to this service with results and treatment recommendations returned within two weeks.

Consultant John Iacovou, of the Ridgeway, said: "As people are living longer more cases of prostate cancer are being diagnosed.

"Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland cells. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood.

"When the prostate gland enlarges the level in the blood tends to rise.

"This can mean there is cancer or there is a benign enlargement."

Patients can attend the clinic either through their GP or through self-referral.

For more information contact The Ridgeway Hospital, Moormead Road, Wroughton, Swindon, on 01793 814848.

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.