Cheshire Freemasons have for many years, worked with specialist organisations to prevent this terrible disease. Last week, they organised the annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) test at Stockport Masonic Guildhall, more than 160 men attended to take the test from Stockport and the surrounding areas, coming from across Cheshire, as far and wide as Knutsford, Macclesfield and Dukinfield. The PSA Team take a simple blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen in blood. A raised PSA level may suggest a problem at which point attendees are recommended to take further tests via their local GP.

The tests are undertaken by The Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group who have had a long association working with the Freemasons to offer the support. Senior Freemasons David Dyson, Simon Palfreyman and Steve Headdock and took the test along with other members and non-members who attended. David said ‘It is incredibly important that this test is carried out annually, especially for older men. We are extremely happy to welcome the PSA testing team back to Stockport Guildhall again this year and whilst pleased that over 160 tests were completed, many more age-appropriate people could and should be tested. There have been vast improvements in the tests over the last 12 months, with the introduction of laptops to complete registration, replacing handwritten forms, and this has enabled the results to be emailed, meaning that the results are received within a few days, vastly speeding up the whole process. I would urge anyone over 50, or who believes they may have a problem, or be at risk to visit one of the PSA test centres throughout the Province and get checked.

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and the risk increases with age. That risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer. More than 47,500 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – which equates to 130 men every day. In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will suffer from prostate cancer in their lifetime.

For more information regarding Prostate cancer, please visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/

Pictured

Volunteers Maureen and Wendy checking people in for their blood test

Senior Cheshire Freemason, David Dyson completes the Registration form

One of the attendees, Simon Palfreyman, takes the test – sharp scratch!!