The moment when Sir Chris Hoy went public about the fact that at the age of forty-eight, he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, he went from “National Olympic hero” to “National Treasure”.
Recognising that prostate cancer is the #1 cancer amongst males in the UK the Provincial Royal Arch in Hertfordshire decided to play its part in offering its members the opportunity for PSA testing some 5 years ago. E. Comp. Phil Masters through the Royal Arch Executive has now organised four testing days with the latest one having occurred on 19th October 2024 where around 90 people were tested at Ashwell House, St Albans. Most were found to be in the ‘green’ zone, but 7 Companions registered in the ‘red’ or danger zone where immediate further action was recommended. This brings the total to 33 requiring further analysis and treatment since this initiative was commenced.
Our testing has been carried out by the Graham Fulford Trust who in the c300,000 tests they have carried out over 3,200 have received a positive diagnosis. They have seen several spikes in awareness following public statements from the likes of the late broadcaster Bill Turnbull and entertainer Stephen Fry. Of course, we should not forget that earlier this year King Charles broke with Royal protocol by publicly announcing his own fight against the disease with treatment which is ongoing.
However, the statement and approach from Sir Chris Hoy could be the most significant. Sir Chris has made a very public plea for the testing age to be reduced dramatically for men with a family history, who are known to be more at risk, and this has been reinforced by the current Health Minister. Even if this well overdue change is accepted at the top, experience tells us its implementation is likely to be somewhat different. Accordingly, we will continue to support our members.
Let us make sure that, between us all, we put the bravery of Sir Chris Hoy’s public statement upthere with his remarkable Olympic exploits. Our next PSA testing session is sometime in March 2026 and is to be held at Letchworth. It is a simple blood test that takes just 15 minutes in all so take advantage of this initiative and when the time comes book yourself a slot, and remember this is a pre booked event so you cannot just turn up on the day.