We were delighted to host the PSA prostate health check event, welcoming more than 100 Companions together with their families. We are happy to say that of the 117 tested, 81 received a green light. However, 19 received amber and 17 received a red light meaning further investigation is required. We are hopeful that we have caught them early enough to be treated.
These occasions continue to play an important role in raising awareness and encouraging early detection. In previous years, this simple blood test has proven invaluable, leading to a number of individuals being referred to their GP for further investigation and, where necessary, timely treatment.
Events such as these not only provide access to potentially life-saving screening, but also create an opportunity for open conversation around men’s health – something that is too often overlooked. This is particularly important given that prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, with around 60,000 men diagnosed each year, and approximately 1 in 8 men expected to develop the disease during their lifetime.
Thankfully, survival rates are high when the condition is detected early, with nearly 8 in 10 men surviving for ten years or more. However, prostate cancer still claims over 12,000 lives annually in the UK, highlighting the vital importance of awareness, early testing, and timely medical intervention.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported the initiative, helping to make it another successful and worthwhile occasion, and contributing to the continued effort to promote early detection and better outcomes for men’s health.
Royal Arch Province of Hertfordshire underwrite this event from the donations received and to also include that anyone who wanted to make a donation on the day but couldn’t for whatever reason, can still do so via a BACS payment direct to the Provincial account using their surname and PSA26 as the reference, i.e. “mastersPSA26”.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the Lawrence Cloisters Trust for their generous support in providing the use of the hall and arranging catering for both the organisers and the attending nursing team.
The next testing date is scheduled to be held at Halsey Hall, Cheshunt in the autumn 2027, subject to availability.
