Over 130 men were screened for prostate cancer at the CHAPS Men's Health Charity day at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last week.

Returning for a sixth annual screening day, CHAPS tested 137 for signs of prostate cancer and came up with results that may prove vital in prolonging lives.

Of the 137 men screened. 67 were categorised as "normal", and were recommended a follow-up check in the next 1-5 years.

35 of the men tested on the day, or just over 25 per cent, had signs of a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate - these men were also recommended a follow-up check in the next 1-5 years.

The Men's Health Day ran from 10am to 4pm at the stadium last Thursday (April 12) and was attended by around 150 men in total.

In nine of the 137 men screened for prostate cancer, a "slightly abnormal" result was detected - these men were advised to have a re-check with their GP in the next three to six months.

The most pressing matter though, was that 10 of the 137 men received results in the "clearly abnormal" category. These men were advised to see their GP as a matter of importance.

Speaking about the results was Retired Consultant Urologist and Clinical Director of CHAPS, Chris Booth.

He said "The breakdown of these figures is typical and from the 19 abnormal results it can be predicted that about six or seven men will have an underlying prostate cancer.

"From our figures, these should mostly be early and potentially curable."

Speaking about the Men's Health Day as a whole, Mr Booth said: "The charity was delighted to return to Colchester United Football Club for its sixth annual screening day, during which the team from ACE performed 58 NHS Health Checks to assess the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.

"Recent publicity has highlighted the increasing number of UK men getting and dying from prostate cancer – 47,000 new cases and over 11,800 deaths each year.

"The benefits of screening and early diagnosis are being recognised by increasing numbers of men, as illustrated by the high demand for this simple blood test.

According to Cancer Research UK (2015), prostate cancer makes up 26 per cent of the incidence of new cancers in men each year.

This makes prostate cancer the most common and prevalent amongst men - hence checks like those done at the CHAPS Men's Health Day are important.

Mr Booth continued: "The day was made possible through the generous sponsorship of our Platinum Sponsors Cloudfm Group and Ellisons Solicitors supported by Gold Sponsors Baverstocks Accountants and the Oaks Hospital, without whose help such events are not possible."