Barrow Raiders rugby league club is organising a prostate awareness testing event to promote early detection of prostate cancer. The event will take place at the MKM Marquee on Saturday, June 20, from 9.45am to 2.45pm. To encourage participation, the club is offering free tickets to their Dewsbury fixture on the same evening.
Last year’s event attracted nearly 200 men, raising awareness about the importance of prostate health. The club is proud to support this initiative, which aims to save lives through early diagnosis.
Event Details and Incentives
The testing session involves a simple blood test with no invasive procedures. Men interested in attending must register in advance on the club’s website. A £5 deposit is required at registration, which will be refunded after completing the test.
By offering free entry to the rugby match, Barrow Raiders hope to reduce barriers and encourage more men to take part in the testing. This approach highlights the club’s commitment to community health and wellbeing.
Importance of Early Detection
A spokesperson from Barrow Raiders emphasised that early detection drastically improves survival rates. When caught early, prostate cancer is highly curable, with 10-year survival rates around 95%.
Head Coach Paul Crarey, who participated in the 2025 session, spoke about the stigma men often feel around testing. He stressed that the process is quick and easy, encouraging others to overcome any hesitation.
He also highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the UK, and one man dies every 45 minutes from the disease.
Community Partnership
The event is organised in partnership with the Furness Prostate Cancer Support Group. Which works throughout the year to fund ongoing testing in the local area. Their collaboration with Barrow Raiders ensures that vital resources are available to support men’s health in the community.
This initiative is a significant step towards increasing awareness and encouraging men to take proactive measures for their prostate health.
