W Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR CHAPS Ambassador provides this report on the recent PSA testing.
Many Middlesex Masons will have had their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests at Harrow and Twickenham Masonic Centres in July. Those who participated will already have received their results. The consequence of such a testing programme will bring to light those of our Brethren who are at risk of developing Prostate Cancer. This is always a highly regrettable circumstance, and some will receive a so called “Red Letter” advising them to consult their GP for further evaluation and referral for more tests.
The upside of the PSA test is that it will discover those at risk and others for whom an ongoing test regime is recommended, even though they are in no immediate danger. The tests were carried out by the Men’s health Charity CHAPS who have established themselves in the Province and have successfully identified Brethren at risk over a period of 4 years including this last PSA event.
Before providing the relevant statistics, it is important to recognise the generous financial contribution of The Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust to enable these tests to take place at no cost to the members of the Province.
Breakdown of Results
CHAPS has provided a full report on the results of the Middlesex testing, and I borrow from this. It should be noted that even if the results are in the “green zone”, there are factors which are taken into account in respect of medium to longer term risk based on family history of Prostate, Breast or Ovarian cancer and also ethnicity. Equally, some tests which have a “green zone” result may mean that a PSA is within a 50 to 74 per cent of the normal range. Here there is an element of risk and further monitoring is required.
The report states, “that if these men (high percentage rate test result) continue regular screening into their 70s, across the danger years, initially annually for High-Risk men and repeated PSA tests 2-yearly for Intermediate Risk men, we can expect to identify many more cancers at an early, curable stage. We will issue reminders to each man when follow-up PSA tests are due. In simple terms, these events should identify new cancers at a curable stage………Most men – 130 (39.4%) – are at Low Risk and only need tests at 3 yearly intervals. We stress this to prevent “over-testing” which is still commonplace. Over-testing is wasteful….Fifty-nine (17.9%) elderly men with low PSAs were reassured that they will not develop a life shortening PCa (Prostate Cancer) and need no further PSA tests.”
CHAPS Conclusion
CHAPS state that their aggregate UK statistics confirm that they are detecting life-threatening cancers at a significant rate and a curable stage. They are demonstrating that screening can be done at scale and, indeed, in several NHS pilot studies the beneficial results mirror their own. The concept of organised screening is being introduced and the identification of men at risk for whom screening should be intensified. At the same time reducing over- screening for most men who are at low risk.
If this testing programme had not been carried out, several brethren in the Province will have been unaware of the threat of Prostate Cancer. This organised testing gives a systematic approach to a most important aspect of our lives – the development of a life threatening cancer. As I have said before this simple blood test could be the most important blood test you will ever have.
What Else Should You Know
This post is from the Prostate Cancer Research Facebook page highlights the importance of testing. “My name is Brian, and I was diagnosed at 63 with metastatic prostate cancer. By the time it was found it had spread to my bones so could not be cured. This was utterly devastating for me, my wife, my daughters and my 5 grandchildren. My father died at 74 from prostate cancer so I was able to monitor his symptoms. He had all the classic symptoms. I had none. If a screening programme had been in place, I am certain my prostate cancer would have been caught whilst it could be treated. But screening isn’t just about my story; it’s about every family’s story. Without it, we’re left to chance, to luck. But why should anyone’s life depend on luck? Will you join me and demand action”.
Some Brethren registered for the blood test but were unable to attend. It is important that if you are invited to a subsequent PSA test that you register and take the test. Simply, it could be a matter of life or death. Something to consider.
Once again, a thank you to The Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust for their exceeding generosity in making this happen.
To find out more about the Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust visit Here
