Red Book
Early detection of cancers
Not recommended as a preventive activity
Screening of asymptomatic (low-risk) men for prostate cancer by prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is not recommended because the benefits have not clearly been shown to outweigh the harms.1 This remains the case following recent large trials.1 Therefore, GPs have no obligation to offer prostate cancer screening to asymptomatic men.
Some men may have individual concerns about prostate cancer and may put a higher value on the possible benefits of prostate cancer screening. This requires specific discussion to address the benefits and harms (from overdiagnosis and overtreatment) of prostate cancer screening.2 The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has produced a patient decision aid that may assist this discussion
If after an informed process, perhaps using a decision aid, a man still requests prostate cancer screening, a PSA blood test is acceptable.3 Digital rectal examination (DRE) is no longer recommended as it is insufficiently sensitive to detect prostate cancers early enough.4
Clinicians should not test for asymptomatic prostate cancer (eg by adding the PSA test to a battery of other tests) without counselling about possible harms as well as possible benefits, and obtaining informed consent.
Patients who request testing should be informed about the risks and benefits of tests for prostate cancer, and should be assisted to make their own decision using an acceptable decision aid.16
Did you know you can now log your CPD with a click of a button?
Appendix 13A - The 3 Incontinence Questions 3IQ (PDF 0.04 MB)
Appendix 2A - Family history screening questionnaire (PDF 0.03 MB)
Appendix 2B -Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria for making a diagnosis of familial hypercholestrolaemia in adults (PDF 0.04 MB)
Appendix 3A - 'Red-flag' early intervention referral guide (PDF 0.37 MB)
Appendix 8A - Australian cardiovascular disease risk charts (PDF 0.47 MB)
Lifecycle charts (PDF 0.08 MB)
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