Getting older brings new health questions, and for blokes, prostate health sits high on that list. If you’re wondering when and how to check for prostate cancer, you’re not alone. This isn’t about scaring anyone – it’s about giving you the facts so you can make informed choices with your GP.

Let’s break down what you need to know about prostate cancer screening, who should get tested, and when timing matters most.

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At what Age Should I Start Getting Checked?

Most Australian men start thinking about prostate checks around age 50. This makes sense because prostate cancer risk increases with age, and screening guidelines reflect this reality.

If you’re between 50 and 69 with average risk, your GP will likely discuss PSA testing with you. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test measures a protein your prostate gland produces. Higher levels might indicate problems, but they don’t automatically mean cancer.

For men with a family history – like your dad or brother having prostate cancer – the conversation often starts earlier. Around age 40 to 45, it’s worth chatting with your GP about your risk factors and whether early testing makes sense.

Men carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations also need earlier discussions. These same genes linked to breast and ovarian cancers also increase prostate cancer risk. If you know about these mutations in your family, bring this up with your doctor around age 40.

After 70, screening becomes more individual. Your GP weighs your overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences when recommending tests.

How Do Doctors Check for Prostate Cancer?

The two main ways doctors screen for prostate cancer are the PSA blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE). Neither test definitively diagnoses cancer on its own, but they help identify men who need further investigation.

The PSA blood test measures prostate specific antigen levels in your blood. Your GP takes a simple blood sample, usually from your arm. Results come back within days, showing your PSA level in nanograms per millilitre.

Normal PSA levels vary by age, but generally:

• Men under 50: less than 2.5 ng/mL
• Men 50-59: less than 3.5 ng/mL
• Men 60-69: less than 4.5 ng/mL
• Men over 70: less than 6.5 ng/mL

A DRE involves your doctor feeling your prostate gland through the rectum wall. This checks for lumps, hard areas, or unusual shapes. It’s quick – taking about 30 seconds – though admittedly not the most comfortable experience.

If either test raises concerns, your GP might refer you to a urologist for more detailed testing. This could include MRI scans, CT scans, or even a biopsy to check tissue samples.

Understanding Your Risk Factors

Several factors affect your prostate cancer risk, and understanding them helps you and your GP make better screening decisions.

Age remains the biggest risk factor. About 1 in 8 Australian men develops prostate cancer during their lifetime, with most cases occurring after age 65.

Family history of prostate cancer doubles or triples your risk. If your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer, you’re more likely to develop it too. The younger your relative was when diagnosed, the higher your risk becomes.

Some men carry genetic mutations that increase risk significantly. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, famous for breast cancer links, also raise prostate cancer risk. Men with Lynch syndrome face a higher risk, too.

Race plays a role, though this affects different communities differently across Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have higher prostate cancer death rates, partly due to later diagnosis and treatment access issues.

Your lifestyle choices matter less than genetics and age, but they still count. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating plenty of vegetables might help reduce risk.

Call Huntlee Healthcare Men’s Health Services. Not sure about risk or timing? Speak with our team today.

When Should You Get Tested?

Timing depends on your personal risk factors and health goals. Here’s how to think about it:

Average risk men (50-69): Start PSA discussions around age 50. Most guidelines suggest testing every 2 years if your PSA levels stay normal.

High-risk men (40-49): Begin conversations with your GP around age 40-45. Family history of prostate cancer or known genetic mutations warrant earlier attention.

Men with symptoms: Don’t wait for routine screening if you notice concerning changes. Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pain during urination, or frequent nighttime bathroom trips deserve immediate GP attention.

Previous elevated PSA: If you’ve had high PSA readings before, your doctor will create a follow-up schedule. This might mean testing every 6-12 months to track changes.

Men over 70: Screening decisions become highly individual. Your GP considers your overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences when recommending whether to continue testing.

The key is having honest conversations with your GP about your individual situation. They’ll help you weigh the benefits and limitations of testing based on your specific circumstances.

What Happens If Tests Show Problems?

Finding elevated PSA levels doesn’t mean you have cancer. Many conditions cause higher PSA readings, including enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostate infections, or recent physical activity.

Your GP might repeat the PSA test in a few weeks to see if levels change. They’ll also review any medications you’re taking, as some drugs affect PSA readings.

If levels remain concerning, you’ll likely get referred to a urologist. They might recommend additional tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to get detailed pictures of your prostate gland.

An MRI scan helps doctors see abnormal areas that might harbour cancer cells. These scans guide decisions about whether you need a biopsy, where doctors take small tissue samples to check for abnormal cells under a microscope.

If testing does detect prostate cancer, remember that many prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t spread to other parts of the body quickly. Treatment options range from active surveillance (careful monitoring) to radical prostatectomy (surgical removal), depending on cancer aggressiveness and your overall health.

Modern diagnosis of prostate cancer includes detailed staging to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. CT scans help check if cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

Common Concerns About Prostate Testing

Many men worry about prostate testing, and these concerns are completely normal. Let’s address the main ones:

“The DRE is embarrassing and uncomfortable.” Yes, it’s not pleasant, but it’s over quickly. Your GP performs these examinations regularly and maintains professional dignity throughout. The discomfort lasts seconds, but the information gained could be life-saving.

“What if the PSA test is wrong?” PSA testing isn’t perfect. It can miss some cancers (false negatives) or suggest problems when none exist (false positives). However, it’s currently our best screening tool, and doctors use it alongside other information to make recommendations.

“I’m scared of what they might find.” This fear is understandable, but early detection of prostate cancer often leads to better treatment outcomes. Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer live full, active lives after treatment.

“Testing might lead to unnecessary treatment.” This is a valid concern. Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause problems. Your medical team considers cancer aggressiveness, your age, and overall health when recommending treatment for prostate cancer.

The key is having open discussions with your GP about your specific worries. They can explain how testing fits your individual risk profile and health goals.

Making the Decision That’s Right for You

Deciding when and how to check for prostate cancer is personal. There’s no single right answer for every man, and guidelines exist to help inform your choice rather than dictate it.

Consider your family history carefully. If your father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 55, you might want earlier discussions with your GP than someone with no family history of prostate cancer.

Think about your overall health and life goals. A healthy 52-year-old might approach screening differently than someone managing multiple chronic conditions.

Your GP plays a crucial role in this decision. They know your health history, can assess your risk factors, and explain how screening fits your overall healthcare plan.

Don’t let fear or embarrassment stop you from having these conversations. Prostate cancer screening discussions happen in GP offices across Australia every day. Your doctor has had these talks countless times and can guide you through the process.

If you’re reading this for your dad, partner, or friend, encourage them to book a GP appointment. Sometimes, having family support makes these health decisions easier.

Book Your Men’s Health Check — Huntlee Healthcar.e We provide ongoing men’s health care: PSA follow-up, results explained, and next steps.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to check for prostate cancer gives you power over your health decisions. Whether you’re 45 with family history concerns or 60 thinking about routine screening, the important thing is starting the conversation with your GP.

Prostate cancer affects thousands of Australian men each year, but early detection often leads to successful treatment. The PSA blood test and physical examination provide valuable information, though they’re not perfect screening tools.

Remember that testing is a choice, not an obligation. Work with your GP to understand your personal risk factors and make decisions that align with your health goals and values.

Regular men’s health checks can catch problems early, when treatment options are most effective. Don’t wait until symptoms appear – by then, cancer might have already spread to other parts of your body.

Take charge of your health by booking that GP appointment. Your future self will thank you for taking action today.

FAQs:

How often should I get PSA testing?
Most guidelines suggest every 2 years for average-risk men aged 50-69. Men with higher risk might need annual testing, while those with very low PSA levels might test less frequently.

Does Medicare cover prostate screening?
Medicare covers PSA testing when your doctor deems it medically necessary. This includes routine screening for appropriate age groups and follow-up testing for elevated levels.

Can I request PSA testing without symptoms?
Yes, you can discuss PSA testing with your GP even without symptoms. They’ll help you understand the benefits and limitations based on your age and risk factors.

What should I do before a PSA test?
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before testing, as this can temporarily raise PSA levels. Also, avoid vigorous exercise and bicycle riding for 48 hours prior to the test.

Are there alternatives to PSA testing?
Currently, PSA testing combined with digital rectal examination remains the standard screening approach. Researchers continue developing new tests, but none have replaced PSA screening yet.

What happens if my PSA level keeps rising?
Rising PSA levels over time often concern doctors more than a single elevated reading. Your GP will likely refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, which might include MRI scanning or biopsy.