Prostate cancer detection

Prostate cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in Australian men after lung cancer. It is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Australians overall (apart from non-melanoma skin cancer¹).

Prostate cancer is more common in older men and those with a family history of the disease. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival. There are, however, no tests available with sufficient accuracy to screen populations of men for early signs of prostate cancer.

The test most commonly used to aid early detection of prostate cancer is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. However, this is not a diagnostic test as it only indicates changes in the prostate. 

While some studies suggest PSA reduces mortality on a population basis, the test picks up large numbers of cancers that would have caused no symptoms or harm in the patient. This is known as overdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis of prostate cancer can lead to unnecessary treatments that have side effects such as sexual impotence, urinary incontinence and bowel problems.

There is some confusion around PSA testing. Find more information here. 

Men concerned about prostate cancer should talk to their doctor and make an informed choice about whether to have any tests designed to find early signs of prostate cancer, in view of the potential risks and benefits.

For more information, call the Cancer Council 13 11 20 or check our fact sheet on the early detection of prostate cancer.

More detailed information is available in our National Cancer Prevention Policy.