Event date: 2018-10-18
PSA TESTING AT PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE ON OCTOBER 18TH 2018
I am sure we are all aware that PSA Blood Testing is not an infallible test – But it is the best indicator we have at the moment. It helps to diagnosed benign conditions such as BPH and Prostatitis which need treatment. It also helps in the detection of Prostate Cancer, which if found early, can be one of the easier Cancers to treat with a high success rate.
A PSA test is a simple blood test used to help detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Prostate Cancer generally produces no symptoms, so it is important to diagnose the disease before symptoms arise and while it is still potentially curable.
Prostate Cancer is not always aggressive or life-threatening. Even if further tests do not detect Cancer. There can be other reasons for a moderately elevated PSA, e.g. urinary infection, enlarged prostate (which happens to us all with age) etc, which may need treatment.
All these factors have led to the current controversy regarding the value of the PSA test. However, the uncertainties may be reduced by men having a regular test, ideally on an annual basis. Regular monitoring of PSA levels can highlight any significant or gradual increase, so that even when the PSA is within the normal range, one may be alerted to the need for further investigation. I have an enlarged prostate and therefore have 3 monthly PSA tests.
Do you:
Have to get up often during the night ?
Have a reduced urine stream ?
Take a long time ?
Have frequent trips to the toilet ?
Have painful urination ?
Have lower back pain ?
The symptoms may be minor but please don’t ignore them. All men from the age of 45 are advised to have a test annually, so please take advantage of the facility being provided for you in the Sands Centre.
The tests will be carried out by volunteers from “The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust” between 10.30am and 1.30pm prior to the Provincial Meeting on the 18th of October. The test will be FREE to all our members as it will be covered by the Provincial Charity Fund, but it would be greatly appreciated if a donation was made by all who take the test to help to adequately cover the £17.50 per person phlebotomy and admin costs to the Graham Fulford Trust and reduce the burden on the Provincial Funds by signing the Gift Aid Form.
Please note: The Graham Fulford Trust does not gain anything from the minimal donation.
I am sure we all know at least one of our members who have been taken from us by this disease who might just have been still with us if they had been tested previously. So, please take this opportunity to make sure you are Ok. Please Note that 90% of men tested are Ok. 4% are advised to have another test in three months and 6% have been advised to see their GP right away.
PLEASE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SURE ALL IS OK WITH YOU BEFORE ITS TOO LATE ! IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR TIME BUT IT MIGHT HELP TO SAVE YOUR LIFE !
W.Bro. Peter Mason PJGD.
Contributed by: W.Bro. Peter Mason