Routine screening for prostate cancer in men without symptoms is not recommended in New Zealand. But you can talk to your Local Doctors or White Cross GP about the prostate cancer screening test to see if it is right for you.
Before you do, it’s a good idea to visit the Ministry of Health’s Kupe website. It explains the risks, benefits and implications of prostate testing.
For men with symptoms of prostate cancer, the doctor will do two tests called a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
You should see your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- blood in your urine (pee)
- pain or burning when you pee
- you are unable to pee when you want to
As you age, it’s common to get these symptoms and most of the time they are due to problems that are not cancer, but you should always have them checked out.