Australia has updated its national guidance on PSA testing and the early detection of prostate cancer. Here is a plain-language summary of what the new guidelines recommend for each age and risk group, and what they say should generally happen if a PSA result is raised.
This page summarises published national guidelines. It provides general information only and does not recommend that any particular person should or should not have PSA testing. Individual decisions should be discussed with a GP.
The short version
If you are aged 50 to 69
The guidelines recommend PSA testing every two years for people who decide to be tested, after an informed discussion with their GP about the possible benefits and harms.
If you are aged 45 to 49
The guidelines do not generally recommend routine testing at this age unless a person is at higher risk*. They state that a GP may offer an initial PSA test to someone interested in their prostate health.
For people at higher risk, the guidelines recommend testing every two years from age 45.
If you are aged 70 or older
The guidelines recommend an individual clinical assessment that considers general health, other medical conditions, likely life expectancy and the person’s preferences.
These recommendations apply to people with a prostate. They are not a population screening program and do not mean that everybody should automatically be tested.
* For who is at higher risk, please read further below.
Why this matters
Australia has released its first major update to prostate cancer early-detection guidance in a decade. The 2026 guidelines were developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council and endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. It can be present before there are any symptoms.
A PSA test is a blood test that can help identify people who may need further assessment. It is not a simple cancer or no-cancer result. PSA can be raised for several reasons, and testing has both possible benefits and harms. This is why the decision should follow an informed conversation with your GP.
Who is at higher risk?
The guidelines define higher risk as having at least twice the usual risk of dying from prostate cancer. The risk factors identified in the guidelines include people who have:
- A brother with prostate cancer
- A father diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
- Two or more second-degree relatives, such as grandfathers or uncles, who died from prostate cancer
- A confirmed BRCA2 gene mutation
- Black sub-Saharan ancestry
If prostate cancer runs in your family, it helps to find out which relatives were affected and how old they were when diagnosed. This information can change the advice your GP gives you.
What happens if your PSA is raised?
According to the guidelines, a single raised PSA result does not mean that a person has prostate cancer.
The guidelines recommend repeating the test in one to three months. If it remains at or above the relevant action level for the person’s age and risk, the guidelines recommend that referral to a specialist be considered.
The updated guidelines recommend a prostate MRI before any biopsy. This can help identify clinically significant cancers while allowing some people to avoid an unnecessary biopsy. The guidelines note that if a low-risk cancer is found, active surveillance may sometimes be recommended instead of immediate treatment.
Do not wait for symptoms
These guidelines concern early detection in people who may not have symptoms. Prostate cancer can be present before symptoms develop.
Urinary changes, pain, unexpected weight loss or unusual tiredness often have causes other than cancer. Anyone with new or concerning symptoms should seek individual medical assessment rather than relying on this general information.
Discussing the guidelines with a GP
Any GP consulting from the rooms of Kiama Downs Medical Practice can explain the guidelines and discuss how a person’s age, family history, general health and preferences may affect an individual decision
A blood test does not need to be arranged before that discussion.
Dr Tollan Conway, Dr Chris Scott and Dr Tom Hilliar have special interests in Men’s Health. To learn more about them please click their profile name above.
Consider booking a longer appointment if you also want to discuss urinary symptoms, sexual health, mental health or several other concerns.
Reliable information
- PCFA: New 2026 guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer
- RACGP: 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia
- Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service — PCFA Specialist Nurses can be contacted on 1800 22 00 99.
This article is a general, plain-language summary of the 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia. It does not reproduce every recommendation and does not replace individual medical advice. It does not recommend that any particular person should or should not have PSA testing. Testing and follow-up decisions should be made with a GP after considering the person’s age, individual risk, general health, preferences and the possible benefits and harms.