Do I Need a PSA Test? Age, Risk and What Happens
PSA testing: quick facts
- PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, and a PSA test is a blood test
- You can have PSA testing even when you feel completely well
- Age and individual risk affect when testing is recommended
- A higher PSA does not automatically mean prostate cancer
Did you know? You can feel completely healthy and still have a reason to think about prostate testing.
Your age, family history and other risk factors can help determine when a PSA test is relevant to you.
In this article
What affects your prostate cancer risk?
| Does this sound like you? | Why it matters | What can you do? |
| You’re 50–69 | Age is one of the strongest prostate cancer risk factors. | PSA testing every two years is recommended for men who choose to be tested. |
| You’re 45+ with higher risk | Family history, a BRCA2 gene mutation or Black sub-Saharan ancestry can put you in a higher-risk group. | Find out your family history, including who was diagnosed and at what age. |
| Your father or brother had prostate cancer | Certain family histories, a BRCA2 gene mutation or Black sub-Saharan ancestry can put you at higher risk. | Tell your GP which relatives were affected and their age at diagnosis. |
| You’re carrying excess weight | Research has found links between excess body weight and prostate cancer risk. | Work towards a healthy weight through changes you can maintain. |
| You’ve noticed urinary changes | These can have many causes and do not automatically mean cancer. | Note what has changed and when it started. Don’t wait for your next routine check to mention it. |
| You feel completely well | Early prostate cancer often has no noticeable symptoms. | Use your age and individual risk, not symptoms alone, to decide when to discuss testing. |
When should you get a PSA test?
Under Australia’s 2026 prostate cancer testing guidelines, men at average risk who choose PSA testing can be tested every two years from age 50 to 69.
If you’re at higher risk, testing can start from age 45. This includes men with certain family history, genetic or ancestry risk factors.
Men aged 45–49 who are concerned about prostate cancer can also ask their GP about a PSA test.
What happens when you get checked?
- Talk with your GP
- PSA blood test
- Get your result
- Next steps, if needed
Your GP will consider your age, family history, symptoms and other risk factors. A PSA test involves taking a blood sample from your arm and sending it to pathology.
What does your PSA result mean?
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. A higher result does not mean you have prostate cancer. PSA can also rise because of an enlarged or inflamed prostate, infection and other factors.
Your GP interprets the number in context and may repeat the blood test or recommend further investigation if needed.
Support your prostate health
Some of the biggest risk factors, including age and genetics, cannot be changed, but there are still things you can control.
- Know your family history. “Prostate cancer runs in the family” is less useful than knowing who had it and how old they were.
- Keep your weight in a healthy range. Excess body weight has been associated with prostate cancer risk.
- Be wary of prostate supplements promising protection. Supplements aren't a substitute for appropriate PSA testing or medical advice.
- Don’t wait for symptoms before thinking about prostate health. Early prostate cancer may cause none.
The Cancer Council has more information about prostate cancer risk and testing.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Changes in urine flow
Difficulty starting or stopping, a weak or interrupted stream, or feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.
Going to the toilet more often
Needing to urinate more frequently, particularly during the night
Blood in urine or semen
Blood in your urine or semen should be checked, even though prostate cancer is not the only possible cause.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying can occur with more advanced prostate cancer.
Back, hip or pelvic pain
Persistent unexplained pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis can occur with more advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can develop without symptoms. Early prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, so symptoms alone aren't a reliable way to decide whether you need PSA testing.
Prostate testing changed in Australia in 2026
Australia introduced new national guidelines for earlier detection of prostate cancer in 2026, including clearer recommendations based on age and individual risk.
Take a look: This Queensland Health story follows a Queensland man who had avoided health checks before a PSA test led to his prostate cancer diagnosis.
PSA testing and Men’s Health at TSMC
Our Men’s Health care includes prostate health and PSA testing discussions based on your age, individual risk and health history.
Turbot Street Medical Centre is in Spring Hill, close to Brisbane CBD, and is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can also meet our doctors before booking.