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.
- Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand
- Cancer Council Australia
- The American Cancer Society
- American Urological Association
- PCFA
- Andrology Australia
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:
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is the national body for prostate cancer in Australia. The PCFA plays a vital role in the fight against prostate cancer and devotes all of it resources towards reducing the impact of prostate cancer on the community. PCFA is a registered charity.
Urological society of Australia and New Zealand
The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) is Australia’s and New Zealand’s peak professional body for urological surgeons. USANZ is committed to clinical excellence, education, the promotion of research and the dissemination of information on urological topics for the benefit of the community.
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia advises the Australian Government and other bodies on practices and policies to help prevent, detect and treat cancer.
Localised Prostate Cancer
A guide for men and their families.
The contents of this book are based on the NHMRC’s Clinical Practice Guidelines: “Evidence-based information and recommendations for the management of localised prostate cancer.”
Greensopes Private Hospital
Greenslopes Private Hospital is the flagship hospital for the Ramsay Health Care Group, Australia’s largest private health care operator.
Mater Private Hospital
More than a network of seven hospitals, Mater Health Services and its 7500 staff and volunteers provide exceptional care to some 500 000 people each year.
Wesley Hospital
The Wesley Hospital, owned and operated by The Uniting Church under Uniting Care, is one of Queensland’s largest private hospitals.
American Urological Association
The American Urological Association (AUA), founded in 1902, is the premier professional association for the advancement of urologic patient care, and works to ensure that its more than 16,000 members are current on the latest research and practices in urology.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a US-nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 offices.
Andrology Australia
Andrology Australia (The Australian Centre of Excellence in Male Reproductive Health) will undertake a program of activities that will enhance the reproductive health of males including community and professional education strategies and support of national research programs.
Lions Australia Prostate Cancer website
After a diagnosis, there are many questions: how threatening is my cancer? Do I need treatment now or can it wait? Which treatment is best? We hope that this website will give you some of that information and point you to other sources.
Cancer Council Helpline
Cancer Council Helpline is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory.
Anyone can call Cancer Council Helpline – cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals.
Call: 13 11 20
