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For the third successive year PSA testing paid for by the Province is to be offered to Lincolnshire Freemasons on the day of our Provincial Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Chapter meetings in May 2026.
Blood samples taken in just minutes can reveal higher levels of a particular protein, which may be an early warning that prostate cancer is on the horizon, suggesting further investigation through a GP.
The Lincolnshire Provincial screening is done in collaboration with men’s health charity CHAPS. The organisation’s Clinical Researcher Le-May Mostert said: “The results from the latest Lincolnshire testing are broadly in line with anticipated statistics. Of the 8.5% abnormal results, three or four men will have Prostate Cancer.
“With an estimated 57,000 new cases every year, Prostate Cancer is the commonest major cancer in the UK, and the only one still with no national screening programme despite clear evidence of a clinical, social, and economic benefit from screening, which could reduce our death rate from 13,000 to 7,000 a year. GPs still decline many requests for PSA tests, still advising not to test “until symptoms arise” – and then it’s too late for screening!
“This organised programme aims to halve the Prostate Cancer death rate for participants, far more than achievable by one-off and random tests. Our reminder and recall service will improve screening performance by increasing screening for men at high risk and reducing it for men at low risk.”
Bruce Goodman liaises with CHAPS to organise the Lincolnshire screening. He said: “In 2024 182 Lincolnshire Freemasons were screened, with 21 abnormal results and five cancers detected; three receiving radical treatment and two on active surveillance. Because of the need for confidentiality we’re not told who these individuals are; we just see the numbers – but it’s plain that our screening exercise is saving lives. That’s of benefit not only to the men themselves, but also to their friends and families.
“The testing is fast and painless, requiring a simple blood test. It’s so fast that during the latest testing one member ate his lunchtime starter, had his test, and was back at the table in time for his main course.”
There will be a four-hour testing window during which appointments can be booked. It’s too early to make bookings at the moment, but details will be shared in due course. “I recommend people to have the test,” adds Bruce. “As well as identifying problems early, the test can also identify men with low PSAs who can be reassured they’ll not develop a life shortening Prostate Cancer, and need no further PSA tests.”
Le-May added: “Our aggregate UK statistics confirm that we are detecting life-threatening cancers at a significant rate and a curable stage. We are demonstrating that screening can be done at scale and, indeed, in several NHS pilot studies the beneficial results mirror our own. We hope that the Masonic Province of Lincolnshire will continue to support this programme for its brethren until the UK has a national screening programme.”
