New national guidelines for PSA testing and early detection of prostate cancer

The updated recommendations include consideration of family history, age and inherited risk factors such as BRCA2 pathogenic variants, as well as clearer pathways following an elevated PSA result. Multiparametric MRI also plays an important role before biopsy where further investigation is required.

While PSA testing most commonly begins in primary care, the implications of a prostate cancer diagnosis often extend well beyond the individual. Cancer nurses regularly hear questions from patients about what their diagnosis could mean for brothers, sons and other family members, making an understanding of current testing recommendations and inherited risk particularly valuable.

The new guidelines provide cancer nurses with another trusted resource to support these conversations, reinforce consistent evidence-based information and recognise when patients or family members may benefit from further discussion with a GP, treating specialist or genetics service.

Explore the new guidelines from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia