Prostate Cancer Testing

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Position statements

Links to position statements on Prostate Cancer Testing

There are many different recommendations regarding prostate cancer testing around the world. All have slightly different specific guidelines but they are all unanimous in that they recommend the following:

  • The decision to be tested for prostate cancer should be individualised for each patient after appropriate discussion between the patient and their treating doctor
  • Men must be well informed about the potential risks and benefits of prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis
  • All men from the age of 50 years with a life expectancy of at least 10 years should have access to a yearly PSA and DRE
  • Testing for prostate cancer should entail both a PSA and DRE
  • Health conscious men should consider a baseline PSA at the age of 40 years in order to estimate their future risk of prostate cancer and guide the frequency of further PSA and DRE testing
  • Mass population based screening as a public health initiative by governments is currently not recommended

The following links provide the position statements on prostate cancer screening from official organisations around the world. Whilst this document is felt to be a well balanced summary of all the available information on prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis, links to other opinions have also been provided.

Prostate Screen Australia’s Position Statement

Prostate Screen Australia does not seek to answer the controversies over prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis, but aims to provide appropriate information to men and their families to assist them in their decision making process.

We have provided a number of links below that will be able to provide more information if you are interested. We recommend that you research as much as possible to support your understanding of prostate cancer.

Recommended reading and resources: