W Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR, Communications Team member, reports on the recent CHAPS testing at TDMC.
Thursday 17th July saw the second PSA Testing in the Province which took place at TDMC. It was a well-attended event, and the CHAPS team welcomed those taking tests. Not only were there Brethren there having their PSA test on the three yearly cycle, but others attended as part of a continuous monitoring who’d had positive tests before. This aspect of testing and subsequent follow up is a vital part of the programme. There is no doubt that CHAPS screening in the Province has saved the lives of our members.
After checking in those being tested were directed toward a table where a bag containing a glass phial and personal details could be picked prior to the blood samples being taken by the team of phlebotomists who “set up shop” in the Alice Kaplan Room. The TDMC staff set up the provision of drinking water to ensure that everybody was sufficiently hydrated.
The helpers on the day were W. Bros Mike Emmett and Daryl Bubb together with CHAPS Ambassador, W. Bro Stan Marut and the Provincial Grand Almoner, W. Bro Ivan Chu, who welcomed Provincial members to the event.
Once registered there followed a brief talk by a CHAPS team member, Sonia Shelcott who informed those taking part the reasons for the testing and what would happen next once the result became available.
On the day the Mulberry Centre Charity also set up stall. This a Middlesex Charity set up for those affected by Cancer to provide support both emotional and practical. Given the nature of the PSA test and the possibility of some Brethren testing positive it is important that such a facility exists. There were a number of leaflets and pamphlets outlining their particular expertise and the emphasis was very much on supporting those who had a diagnosis of Cancer.
Preliminary Findings Of The Harrow And Twickenham Events
All those who participated in testing at both Harrow and Twickenham should have received their results by e mail. A full report detailing the results overall will be available shortly and this will highlight in general the numbers of those who had tested positive and those who would be referred back next year for a further test. However, it appears that in the short term there were a number of Brethren who will be advised to seek advice and treatments via their GP surgery. Others who would be over 80 in three years’ time were discharged as further testing would not be necessary.
What this has proven yet again is the benefit of PSA testing as it is most certainly a Life Saver. Some Brethren did not turn up on the day and others registered but failed to take the test. This is such an important test and members are urged to consider getting it done as soon as they can through their GP surgery to ensure that they are not in danger.
The whole process was generously supported financially by the Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust to which a huge thank you is necessary.
Please watch the web news pages for the overall results for the Province when available. Preliminary reports back from CHAPS indicate that there are positive prostate cancer indications from both the Harrow and Twickenham testing.
