PSA screening in New Zealand: total population results and general practitioners' current attitudes and practices

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in New Zealand. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a screening tool for prostate cancer remains controversial. The aim was to determine the rate of PSA screening in New Zealand and to survey general practitioners' utility of PSA and their attitudes towards PSA screening.

A questionnaire was sent to 1000 general practitioners (GPs). In addition, a non-identifiable prospective audit of all registered New Zealand GPs' laboratory PSA tests was accessed for 2011.

Of the 931,923 males older than 40 years, 267,037 had a PSA test performed (28.3%). This percentage peaked in the 65-75 age group (45%). 263 GP questionnaires were completed. 79% of all GPs would initiate discussion of PSA testing. The most common method of testing was at a time of another health need or check-up.

The incidence of yearly PSA testing in the New Zealand male population over the age of 40 is 28%. GPs provide appropriate information for men to make an informed decision about PSA screening. There is an increasing population of GPs who will not initiate any discussion of PSA testing in their male patients.