Ahead of the club’s PSA testing matchday this Saturday, Kayne Ramsay joined a Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) walking football session before taking part in a discussion raising awareness around men’s health, led by Movember Community Ambassador Elvin Box.
Elvin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 and now works all year-round with Movember to raise awareness around men’s health in local communities. Drawing on his own experiences, he regularly speaks to groups and organisations about the importance of early detection, testing and prevention.
His discussion with CACT’s walking football participants focused on the importance of men within their age group taking the opportunity to get tested, particularly with PSA testing available ahead of kick-off this weekend. Members of the group also had the opportunity to speak with Elvin on a one-to-one basis after the discussion, sharing their own experiences and raising any questions or concerns around men’s health.
Since the session, bookings for PSA testing have continued to increase, with the vast majority of the 500 available testing slots now taken and several participants signing up after meeting Elvin.
Elvin said: “I haven’t played football in over 20 years, so it was great to come along to the session, join in, and pass on some key messages around prostate cancer. Once you get to 50, anyone born with a prostate should speak to their GP about a PSA test, which can help indicate whether there may be an issue. If you are black or have a family history of prostate cancer, you can be tested earlier, from age 45. Getting a PSA test gets the ball rolling in detecting any potential problems.
“It’s well known you mustn’t wait for signs and symptoms, so it’s fantastic to see so many of the testing places being taken. Getting checked is the only reason I’m still here, so I’m ecstatic that Charlton offer this every year for supporters. I’d love to see more clubs doing the same.”
Kayne Ramsay also spoke with participants about the importance of looking after their health and getting tested, sharing: “I think it’s brilliant from Charlton that we’re doing this, as not a lot of clubs do. Tracey Leaburn told me how supporters come to The Valley to get checked, and it’s important that eligible supporters take that opportunity - it can help catch something before it’s too late.
“I remember growing up my mum always encouraged me to check for anything unusual, and it’s important to be aware and not afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. My best friend passed away from cancer when we were at school, so it can happen to anyone and it’s important to stay aware.”
The club’s annual PSA testing matchday was introduced at The Valley in 2018 by former Head of Player Care Tracey Leaburn. Since its introduction, more than 160 supporters have received flagged results, allowing them to seek further medical advice following testing.
For more information on Prostate Cancer and the facts you need to know, visit movember.com/prostatecancer