Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with more than 26,000 new cases each year. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, so waiting for a warning sign isn't a reliable strategy. A PSA blood test is one tool that can help assess prostate health, but it isn't automatically right for every man, which is why it's worth a conversation with your GP first.

What is a PSA test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA test measures the level of this protein in your blood. A raised result doesn't automatically mean cancer, since levels can also rise with age, an enlarged prostate, or infection, but it can prompt further investigation where appropriate.

Who should consider a PSA test?

Guidelines suggest talking it through with your GP rather than testing automatically for every man. Factors that may affect the conversation include:

Age. Discussions often start from around age 50 for men at average risk. Family history. A father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer may mean starting the conversation earlier, sometimes from age 40 to 45. Ethnicity. Some population groups carry a higher lifetime risk. Personal preference. Some men want testing as soon as they're eligible; others prefer to wait. Both are reasonable starting points for a discussion.

Roughly one in six Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 85, which is why this conversation matters even for men who feel completely well.

What are the pros and cons of PSA testing?

How do you decide with your GP?

Your GP can walk through your personal risk factors, explain what a PSA result would and wouldn't tell you, and help you weigh up the pros and cons based on your own circumstances and preferences, rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. This is very much a decide-together conversation. Book a men's health check through FMP's general services at Kirrawee, Woolooware, or Kurnell, and consider raising other preventive checks, like blood pressure, cholesterol, and mental health, in the same visit.

FAQs

Does a raised PSA result mean I have prostate cancer?

Not necessarily. PSA levels can be raised for reasons other than cancer, including an enlarged prostate or infection. A raised result usually leads to further discussion or investigation with your GP.

At what age should men start thinking about a PSA test?

For men at average risk, the conversation often starts around age 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer may want to raise it earlier, from around 40 to 45.

Are there symptoms I should watch for before testing?

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Some men may notice changes in urination, but this isn't a reliable early warning sign, which is part of why the PSA conversation matters even without symptoms.

Is a PSA test covered by Medicare?

Medicare rebates may apply depending on your circumstances. Your GP can advise what applies to you.

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This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please speak with your GP before making any changes to your health care.