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Testing for prostate cancer

Make an informed decision

If you are thinking about having a test for prostate cancer, speak to your GP about your situation and the national testing guidelines

There is no simple test to find prostate cancer. Your GP may recommend a PSA blood test based on your situation and your family history. There are other tests that specialist doctors may also recommend. You can read more about these tests in our diagnosing prostate cancer information

The current PSA testing guidelines do not recommend routine testing of all men of a certain age group, however they do support the appropriate use of PSA testing. The guidelines recommend that men make an informed decision about PSA testing after speaking with their doctor about the benefits and risks based on their situation. For men who decide to be tested, the recommendations are:

  • If you are 50–69 with no family history of prostate cancer, it is recommended that you have a PSA blood test every two years
  • If you have a family history of prostate cancer, discuss earlier testing with your doctor. They may advise you to have a PSA blood test every two years starting from age 40–45. This will depend on how strong your family history is. 

If you are worried, or if you have any symptoms, speak to your GP or call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 to speak with a cancer nurse.

See your doctor if:

  • you need to wee (urinate) a lot
  • you have trouble weeing, or it hurts to wee
  • wee dribbles out at the start or end of doing a wee
  • it hurts to ejaculate
  • you have blood in your wee or semen
  • your back, hips or pelvis hurt
  • other people in your family have had prostate, breast or ovarian cancer.

Read our information on prostate cancer, diagnosis, treatment and side effects. You can also learn more about prostate cancer risks, testing and support from Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and Healthy Male

 

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