THE mayor of Worcester has encouraged men to get tested for prostate cancer after he attended a screening event in the city.

Jabba Riaz was the first person to give a blood sample at Worcester Racecourse on Thursday evening and has said men need to stop refusing to take care of themselves.

The annual event is hosted by Worcestershire Ambassadors and charity Worcestershire Prostate Awareness this year saw 261 men attend – which Councillor Riaz described as “absolutely a huge success”.

A PSA test is a simple blood test that detects the levels of prostate specific antigen in the blood, to determine if there are abnormalities.

Ambassadors chairman Kevin Powell previously said he couldn’t understand why more men over 40 are “reluctant to get a test” considering what the consequences could be.

But Councillor Riaz admitted he had reservations about being tested before going to event, though his mind was quickly put at ease and appreciates the importance of getting tested.

“I turned 40 a year ago and I had the same doubts as well,” he said.

“Do I really need testing? I’m fit and healthy. The fact that you don’t always know what the process involves – people think they are going to fiddle with your bits, but it’s not like that.

“If there is something wrong and they catch it early then something can be done to save your life.

“Some men think they are proving something by not looking after themselves. You’re not proving anything by not going and doing this. You are more manly if you go and get tested.”

Rob North, who helped put on the event on behalf of WPA, discovered he had aggressive prostate cancer following a chance screening at a social event at Sixways Stadium.

He told us last year: “Without going to that cancer screening I wouldn’t be here today. It basically saved my life.”

Cllr Riaz continued: “These volunteers and these events, that they are taking across the county, are saving lives, and that’s what it boils down to."

“The organisers are great believers in what they are doing and Rob North is the perfect example – this saved his life.”

Mr Powell added: “We have been hosting these evenings now for a number of years and every year men’s lives are saved as a result.

“I would like to thank the race course for hosting us this year and Rob North and his team for the smooth running of the event.” For more see: worcestershireambassadors.com for more.