PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and fortunately has a very high five-year survival rate (94%). However, a significant sub-group of patients report poor quality of life post treatment, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

In Victoria, all six PHNs are working together to promote the adoption of the prostate cancer Optimal Care Pathway into primary health in 2018. This project is supported by the Victorian Government.

Following the Optimal Care Pathway has the potential to significantly improve the experience for patients by building general practice’s awareness of symptoms, PSA testing guidelines, referral pathways, management options and supportive care needs. Men should be fully informed before making final decisions on either PSA testing or management of prostate cancer if found.

Resources for Prostate Cancer:

• The Optimal Care Pathways for prostate cancer can be accessed via the Cancer Council Victoria website.
• Talking about PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer videos:

1. Full video – 3 Patients Scenarios: GP Dr Jane Crowe talks to patients about the pros and cons of PSA testing and the importance of shared decision making. (Approx. 17 minutes)
2. Short video – Patient A: GP Dr Jane Crowe talks to a patient with no symptoms, who has specifically come in for a PSA test. (Approx. 8 minutes)
3. Short video – Patient B: GP Dr Jane Crowe introduces the idea of PSA testing to a patient who has come in for an unrelated reason. (Approx. 8 minutes)

• Fact Sheet
• What’s new in prostate cancer treatment? Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network produced this excellent series of videos featuring Professor Jeremy Millar, director of radiation oncology at the Alfred Hospital and Professor Shomik Sengupta, urologist and professor of surgery at Eastern Health. There is one full-length video (35 minutes) and seven shorter topic videos (approximately five minutes each) covering:
  • Current issues in prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis
  • Surgery for prostate cancer
  • Radiation therapy for prostate cancer
  • Deciding on which treatment and when should you seek a second opinion
  • Side-effects and supportive care
  • Supporting men through active surveillance
  • What’s new in hormone therapy and what are the side effects