Prevention

The causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, and there is currently no clear prevention strategy.

Risk factors

• Increasing age, especially for men over 50
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA2 gene) or particular genetic conditions (e.g. Lynch syndrome)
• Race (e.g. high to low risk: African American > Caucasian > Asian and Hispanic/Latino)
• Certain dietary factors

Screening recommendations

Currently there is no organised population-based prostate cancer screening in Australia. Men (including asymptomatic men) may elect to have routine PSA testing, but their GP should first discuss the benefits and harms of the test with them.

Men aged 45–69 years who are at moderate risk (based on their family history) should be proactively followed up and can be offered PSA testing every 2 years.

Men aged 40–69 who are at high risk (based on their family history) should be counselled about their risk and can be offered PSA testing every 2 years.

PSA testing is not recommended for men who are unlikely to live another 7 years.

Men aged 50–69 who are without risk factors for developing prostate cancer may also consider PSA testing for early detection.

Checklist