Prostate Check in Point Cook

What changed in 2026

The 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia were developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia with Cancer Council Australia, approved by the NHMRC, and replace the 2016 guidelines. Cancer Australia describes them as focused on each man’s own risk while reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment. There is still no national screening program, as healthdirect notes.

Who the guidelines suggest talking to

• men aged 50 and over: a discussion about risk factors and the pros and cons of testing
• men aged 45 to 49 at higher risk: the same discussion, five years earlier
• men aged 45 to 49 at average risk who are interested: a discussion, and a first PSA test if they choose
• men aged 50 to 69 who decide to be tested: a PSA test every two years
• men aged 70 and over: testing can still be offered after a discussion and a clinical assessment, but is not recommended when life expectancy is seven years or less

Are you at higher risk?

The guidelines count you as higher risk if you have:

• a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer
• a father diagnosed before the age of 65
• two or more uncles, grandfathers or other second-degree relatives who died of prostate cancer
• Black African ancestry from south of the Sahara
• a known BRCA2 gene change

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer can also be relevant, so bring what you know about cancer in your family. Men at higher risk who choose testing can be offered a PSA test every two years from age 45.

Weighing up a PSA test

PSA is a protein made by the prostate. A raised level can be an early clue to a cancer worth treating, but infection and harmless enlargement can raise it too. Testing can also find slow cancers that would never have caused trouble, which may lead to further tests and worry. Your GP will set out both sides plainly, and you can opt out of testing, or back in, at any time.

What happens after the blood test

Blood can be collected at our onsite pathology centre. If your PSA is raised, the guidelines suggest repeating it within one to three months. If it is still raised, your GP will offer a referral to a urologist, where an MRI scan is now the usual next step before any biopsy.

A rectal examination is no longer recommended as a routine part of PSA testing in general practice, although a specialist may still do one.

Prostate checks in Point Cook for urinary symptoms

A weak stream or getting up at night to pass urine is a reason for an ordinary appointment rather than a screening discussion. Our men’s health page covers other common concerns, and the prostate conversation also fits well into a broader health check. You can book online or call (03) 7300 7780.

Common questions