PSA TESTING
GIVING EVERY MAN THE POWER TO
NAVIGATE PROSTATE CANCER
Merseyside Police Federation Secretary Dave Lowe shares the importance of a quick and easy blood test to detect prostate cancer and how its working with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust to set up testing events
Prior to attending the National Council meeting In Newcastle in 2022, my only information regarding prostate cancer was via Jeff Sterling on Soccer Saturday wearing the iconic ‘Man of Men’ badge and highlighting to many the dangers of this disease.
Although being aware like many others, it didn’t seem necessary to take much notice, especially having no symptoms. However, it was a wakeup call when Jeff and his team flagged during the football that one man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes. That’s a man from each team, every single match. Zac Mader, the Region 7 National Board member, basically dragged me into the room at the National Council meeting to provide a blood sample - something without his encouragement I probably
40 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2024
wouldn’t have done. This is the trigger for what we have tried to achieve since. The charity brought in for that event and used subsequently by Merseyside Police Federation was the Graham Fulford
“I would encourage all
Federations to run such an event, if possible. It’s a life saver.”
Charitable Trust (GFCT) which was set up by Graham Fulford to promote awareness of prostate cancer following the diagnosis of a close friend of his who died at the age of 58 and a close family member who died in 2007 after a valiant fight. Since 2004, together with their partners, GFCT has been involved in testing over
119,172 men and conducting nearly 6,235 tests. As a result of this, there has been more than 3,231 known cancers identified that otherwise may not have been discovered. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
test measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer. It’s an easy blood test. Results are quick – usually back within 24 hours – and will indicate with a traffic light system and advise if you should seek further GP investigation.
Fortunately, following my test in Newcastle, my result was green. Although never really giving it a second thought previously, it was piece of mind for both myself, my family and many other colleagues who received their results. Again, at a National Council meeting almost 12 months on, this time in Cardiff, I
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