Health Screening Session Identifies One in Eight at Risk of Prostate Cancer

The importance of prostate screening tests, which have been given prominence and importance since King Charles and Sir Chris Hoy were diagnosed and needed treatment, and as of today former US President Joe Biden, were further highlighted by the results of the recent combined  PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and DRE (Digital Rectal Examination)  prostate screening session carried out at Freemasons Hall Leicester on Saturday 26th April.

Miss Jyoti Shah Macmillan, Consultant Urological Surgeon and her Team, who give their time freely to carry out prostate screening sessions, examined 65 men between the ages of 50 and 80. The summary results reported to Provincial Grand Almoner David Highton revealed 8 men had abnormal results – four have been advised that urology referral was necessary for further investigations, and four advised of the need for repeat screening tests in three months.

The Fighting Prostate Cancer Team with David Highton

In 2020, the Prostate Screening Sessions revealed that four of the hundred tested needed follow-up, and one shared publicly the fact that he underwent treatment for Prostate Cancer, to highlight the importance of being tested. 

Geoff Searson,  the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies at the time, in 2020 opened up about his diagnosis, to highlight the importance of testing; this time it was our Provincial Grand Almoner, David Highton, who announced his diagnosis. Whilst a test in 2019 showed no cause for concern, five and a half years later, although with no symptoms, David was examined again and found himself being told an MRI was needed. The results of the test have led to a prostate biopsy being carried out.

Results such as this certainly focus the mind on the importance of the prostate screening tests and of raising the profile of testing, with greater appreciation of the work of our local charity, Prostaid, who were in attendance offering advice and support on the day.

The tests in April were significantly oversubscribed, so a further session on Saturday 28th June has been arranged and invites to attend will be sent for those who applied for the April Session but were not in the first group to be tested.

As the 26th April was a Health Awareness Day, the  NHS University Hospitals of Leicester Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Team were also in attendance and screened fifteen men aged 65 and over, as well as providing information about the aneurysms. Happily, all those tested were not found to be at risk.

Also in attendance were the  NHS University Hospitals of Leicester Diabetic Eye Screening Team who offered advice and information on the screening service they provide.