Three brothers diagnosed with prostate cancer despite suffering no symptoms are urging all men over the age of 50 to ask their GP for a blood test.

Fintan Kelly, 53, of Wyke, was contacted by his elder brother Eamonn, 66, last year, with the news he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Eamonn strongly advised Fintan to visit his GP and ask for a blood test to find out if he was at risk.

He contacted his other brother, 62-year-old Brian, with the same advice.

Eamonn himself had only found out he had the disease after a cholesterol test, during which the doctor also carried out a test for prostate specific antigen (PSA).

The test can highlight prostate problems, including cancer, but a national screening programme using the test has been ruled out in the UK because doctors say it isn't reliable enough to prove it would be worthwhile.

The Kelly brothers argue the test is a useful tool in highlighting the possibility of cancer and say every man over 50 - and around 40 if there is a genetic connection - should be offered a PSA test as a matter of routine.

Eamonn Kelly, who lives in Bognor Regis, said: "These tests resulted in my brothers, aged 62 and 53 and symptom free when they visited the surgery, showing high results.

"Biopsies followed and within a couple of weeks both my younger brothers were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"It goes without saying we would be happier if we did not have this disease, but the fact we are aware did give us the opportunity to tackle it and receive treatment and surgery before it was too late."

Fintan, a father-of-six, was the only brother who required surgery and underwent a radical prostatectomy - removal of the prostate - at Bradford Royal Infirmary in January.

He said: "The consultant asked me what made me go for a test and I told him about my brother. He said well I would telephone him and thank him because it is an aggressive tumour. He has put 20 to 30 years on your life'.

"Another couple of years and it could have been a different story."

Fintan had initially been reluctant to go for a test because he thought he was too young to have the cancer, which is the most common male cancer in the UK. It was only the pestering of his partner, Patricia Dixon, which finally persuaded him to go.

The operation was carried out on January 2 and Mr Kelly was in theatre for four hours. He made a swift recovery and did not suffer from any complications. Scans also showed the cancer was limited to the prostate and had not spread.

"I was very lucky all along," he said. "They are an absolutely brilliant team on Ward 14 and I would like to thank them all."

Mr Kelly has now returned to work and, along with his brothers, is working to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the PSA test.

Around 10,000 men die of prostate cancer every year in the UK, but a recent survey for the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign found widespread ignorance of the disease.

Fintan Kelly said: "I will be telling my own sons to go for a test when they reach 40 and I will continue spreading the message about prostate cancer.

"My advice to all men in these age categories is to be aware of your PSA level. Don't bury your head in the sand, visit your GP and demand this blood test."