A volunteer-led screening programme is helping to save lives through early prostate cancer detection.
The PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Organisation has reached a milestone of 50,000 PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests since launching in 2011 across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex.
The charity's screenings identify men with high PSA levels who are then advised to seek further medical investigation through their GPs.
Mario Stevens, centre, is the recipient of the 50,000 PSA test in free screenings held across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex over the past 14 years by PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (PCaSO). (Image: Ron Wain)
Lance Allen, group secretary at PCaSO, said: "At our event at Burgess Hill's Triangle Leisure Centre, jointly with the local Lions on 8 November, testing for 1,144 men, means we will have reached 50,000 screenings since 2011 across Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset.
"Our screenings have undoubtedly saved scores of lives, if not more - men with elevated 'Red' results, where PSA levels are far higher than normal and are therefore at referral level, seek medical advice afterwards.
"At the Burgess Hill event 89 men were found to have a high PSA reading for their age group, needing further investigation via their GPs.
"More than half of high readings will usually be found not to be cancerous, but other underlying conditions that can be treated or monitored accordingly."
Prostate cancer claims the lives of 33 men every day in the UK, yet there is no national screening programme.
The charity's Sussex branch organised four large-scale testing events in Worthing, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill and Peacehaven during the autumn.
From left, Lance Allen, PCaSO group secretary, Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett, Mario from Uckfield, and Burgess Hill Mayor Stuart Condie. (Image: Ron Wain)
All were fully booked, with nearly 4,000 men tested.
Last year, the Sussex and Hampshire branches delivered 9,014 PSA tests across 18 locations.
Of those, 393 men received a 'Red' result requiring further investigation.
Mr Allen encouraged more men to take part in screenings, especially those at higher risk.
He said: "With over 30 men dying in the UK every day from prostate cancer, we urge partners and friends of men to get them tested, particularly in the high-risk groups, because an elevated PSA level can be a cause for medical concern.
"We know that a lot of men are uncomfortable or embarrassed about healthcare screening, but the price of stubbornness can be advanced-stage cancer or worse - is that a price worth paying?"
PCaSO is a registered charity run by volunteers affected by prostate cancer.
It provides support, information, awareness events, and PSA testing across the south of England.