A man from Frome who was diagnosed with prostate cancer after attending a Lions club screening event has launched a support group to help other men affected by the illness.
The monthly group runs at the Welsh Mill Hub, offering a welcoming and confidential space for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, those who have received treatment, or anyone concerned about their risk of developing the disease.
It has been launched by local resident Dickon Turner, with support from Frome Medical Practice, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
His diagnosis followed a free PSA test provided by Frome Lions Club, which Dickon attended in 2023, after seeing it advertised in Frome Times. He said the test “saved my life”.
“My PSA levels were raised, which prompted me to get another PSA test on the NHS, then an MRI scan – all clear at the time,” explained Dickon. “Then a two-year period of PSA monitoring tests followed. In October 2025 it increased again. I then had another MRI and some biopsies and over Christmas 2025, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was then treated at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and had my prostate surgically removed.
“The next few weeks of recovery were brutal but I’m doing very well now and I am back to full fitness and cancer-free. The surgery revealed that the tumour had just reached the outer wall of the prostate – meaning if it had not been caught when it was, it may have spread and my story may have been very different.”
During his treatment, Dickon learnt that there were support groups for affected men in Bath, Bristol and Warminster but not in Frome.
He said, “I looked into setting one up. With some great help from Julie Carey-Downes at Frome Medical Practice and the team, I have done some awareness raising.”
The next group will meet at the Welsh Mill Hub, Park Hill Drive, BA11 2LE, on 11th August from 7pm to 8.30pm. There is no need to book, just come along on the evening.
For more information, search for Let’s Talk Prostate (Frome) on Facebook.
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