PSA TESTING


45. We also had some requests from black officers which is important given black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as other men. They were close to the age requesting if they could participate which of course we accommodated.


During these days we conducted 652


tests including a staggering 198 tests caried out in one day. Those results, although confidential known only to the charity and the individual, resulted in 12 amber and 20 reds with the remainder being green. Some may say this isn’t good, however,


again had the test - though I didn’t need the persuasive words of Zac and Paul Williams from Region 1. It was clear to me that although this was


a national meeting of the Police Federation of England and Wales, the number of local officers attending


“I’m not ashamed of it and


opportunity to have the test. Extracts from his email brought everything into reality: “I’m returning to work on restricted duties on Tuesday and have called in to work to see my


would urge others to get tested, I never ever thought I would get it - I was fit, never smoked, had a couple of drinks, nothing major.”


once the word had got out in uniform was an eye opener for me.


Once back in Merseyside I worked with our staff to get the charity up in Merseyside and get the offer out to serving and retired Merseyside Police officers. The work involved was minimal really for the achievements it provides. The GFCT charity were fantastic, looking after the bookings and the aftercare if needed. In October 2023 we launched our first PSA testing event. It was run over four days and saw a staggering 716 tests completed over this time. Such was the popularity, and the struggles officers were encountering in requesting these tests from their GP to be told unless they were presenting any symptoms then they were not eligible for the test. One officer from Merseyside fell into that group. He was only 47 years old and had emailed into the office to thank us for the


colleagues. I’ve heard the Fed are looking at putting on another one of the PSA


blood test days. I can’t say how useful and beneficial it has been. I had no symptoms and was 47, under the age of testing males and had no idea. Can I just say that thanks to that test, it saved my life. “If it hadn’t been found when it was and only found around now, I was told there would’ve been nothing they could do for me. I’m not ashamed of it and would urge others to get tested, I never ever thought I would get it - I was fit, never smoked, had a couple of drinks, nothing major. I was 47 years old with a wife and two young boys and it crept up on me without any symptoms.”


Between 21-24 October 2024 we decided we would run this again. This time, however, we approached Merseyside Police Unison and the GMB union not just to target and offer the test to police officers, serving and retired, but all eligible males who are police staff over the age of


• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 52,000 men


I’d take a positive from the results. Not a single person reported having symptoms and as a result there are now 20 people who are aware and can obtain further tests and treatment which if they hadn’t of participated would still be totally unaware. I would encourage all Federations to run such an event, if possible. It’s a life saver. Don’t ignore the offer of a test if you are eligible and can have one and don’t be embarrassed, we’re in this together. Look after yourself.


• Over 12,000 men die every year. • 1 in 8 white men and 1 in 4 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.


are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 143 men every day.


• Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer.


WHO CAN HAVE A PSA BLOOD TEST? You have the right to a PSA test if you’re over 50 and you’ve thought carefully about the advantages and disadvantages. If you’re black or you have a family history of prostate cancer, this can increase your own risk – so you may want to speak to your GP about having a PSA test from the age of 45. You may also be offered a PSA test if you have symptoms of a possible prostate problem.


Some men are offered a PSA


test as part of a general check-up. You should still think about the advantages and disadvantages and whether the test is right for you before agreeing to have one.


For more information and resources, visit www.prostatecanceruk.org


41 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2024


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