First of all apologies for not posting an update for a while but I have had some personal setbacks with my cancer but I am feeling a bit better with radiotherapy sessions booked through to Christmas and beyond. I haven't stopped working to bring about a change but have not been quite as dynamic due to my illness. However, having said that I have been trying to formulate something that will appeal to the 'powers that be' to help bring about an approach that would benefit men concerned with their prostate health. I have contacted various people from differing political parties, charities and organisations and they have helped to put the idea forward. But there is a seemingly entrenched view that 'screening' and particularly the PSA test is, as one senior organisational figure put it "a poor test". So I have come up with an idea I have called PCAP (Prostate Cancer Awareness Programme) Basically trying to get a centralised programme whereby men are contacted, directly, from age 50 to make them aware that they have the right to a test if they are concerned about their prostate health. It is very similar to when women receive a letter regarding breast cancer or cervical cancer screening. They receive a letter and a leaflet explaining the service and it is up to them to make their decision on whether to go for the tests or not. To receive a personal letter regarding the test direct to them is the most powerful form of 'awareness' and will give men the choice as to whether they take up the offer or not. After contacting Public Health England, who are responsible for screening in the UK, about my proposal, I received an email from a senior figure there. I understand that research is being done around the world for a more accurate test to use for prostate cancer diagnosis and I replied with information about a company here in the UK who have developed such a test. Although the test will take time to be ready for use, I have suggested that they look into their research as soon as possible but in the meantime, I have again' mentioned PCAP as a relatively quick and cost-effective way to put something in place now. I have put together a website which explains how it would work and the benefits of such a scheme. The link is below. I hope you find that it might be a way forward. As always, I welcome your comments. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families and friends all the best for Christmas and the New Year and I promise I will keep campaigning as long as I am able. Very best wishes and kind regards. Kevin Vardy