The Craft have again supported the Royal Arch who have for some years arranged and organised PSA testing which helps possible early identification of Prostate Cancer through a simple blood test.
This scheme has already helped many Brethren and Companions across the Province, who feel that early intervention may well have saved their life.
This Saturday (26th Nov 2022) testing is taking place at Sheaf Close, Northampton and future events are planned for Peterborough (4th Feb 2023) and Corby (1st Apr 2023).
More information about PSA testing can be found in this letter, dated August 2022, from Graham Minett, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Provincial Grand Chapter, Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire:
Brethren and Companions,
As most are aware, the Royal Arch has been running PSA testing sessions since 2017 and, since 2019, we have worked in conjunction with the Craft. These have been held at the Northampton, Peterborough and Corby Centres, with the testing and monitoring being handled by the Graham Fulford Trust.
The results from these tests have been eye-opening, with almost 10% of all being tested receiving either a red or amber result, which prompted further investigation. Thanks to these tests, lives have been saved.
Prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers in this country and it is strongly recommended that tests should be carried out regularly, as PSA level trends are monitored and can give an early indication of possible problems. However, whilst everyone is entitled to free PSA testing on the NHS, experience shows that many GPs are reluctant to offer this service unless pressed or there is a history of prostate problems.
Our initiative is to assist us all until we reach that ideal state of the NHS offering PSA screening tests on a regular basis, but there is quite a considerable cost attached to these tests which have, in the past, been funded jointly by both the Royal Arch and the Craft, together with voluntary contributions from participants.
We believe that it is most important for all members to take this test, including those who have had ‘green’ results previously as, thanks to the records kept by the Graham Fulford Trust, trends can be monitored and, if necessary, warnings issued. To enable us to continue and, perhaps, increase the frequency of this testing we will, in future, be asking participants to pay a £10.00 contribution towards the cost of the tests, which currently run at £20.00 each.
The proposed sessions are, again, at Sheaf Close, Northampton on 26th November 2022, the Ellindon Centre at Peterborough on 4th February 2023 and at the Corby Centre on 1st April 2023. These dates are to be confirmed.
The bookings will again be made online, as this proved most successful last year and ensured that everyone had an appointment and was dealt with swiftly. Log-in details will be published when the session dates have been confirmed.
