New prostate guidelines open the door to testing men under 50 and over 70
New Australian prostate cancer screening guidelines now recommend that GPs initiate discussions about PSA blood testing for men starting at age 45. The update aims to improve early detection while reducing unnecessary procedures like digital rectal exams.
Why it matters
This shift in medical protocol represents a significant change in preventative health strategy, potentially impacting thousands of men by catching aggressive cancers earlier.
Men will be offered a blood test from the age of 45, under new prostate cancer screening guidelines. ( iStockPhoto/anna1311 )
The new guidelines mean doctors will offer testing to more men, including those under 50 and over 70.
Digital rectal examinations are no longer recommended during routine screening by GPs.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will apply for Medicare to cover the expanded testing.
Link copied Share Share article New guidelines for prostate cancer detection mean men under 50 and over 70 will be offered testing by their GP in an effort to improve early diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is estimated to be the most diagnosed cancer in Australia and last year there were an estimated 4,000 deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
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