20 April 2026

New Australian research highlights urgent need for national framework on prostate cancer genetic testing

New Australian research has highlighted the urgent need for a national framework to guide genetic testing for prostate cancer, with experts warning that current policy settings are leaving many men and their families without access to potentially life-saving information.

The research — the first national consensus study on prostate cancer genetic testing in Australia — found strong consumer support for broader access to testing, but significant uncertainty among clinicians about testing pathways, eligibility and delivery models.

In response to the findings, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is launching a nationwide survey of health professionals and consumers to better understand awareness and use of genetic testing across Australia’s prostate cancer care system.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with nearly 29.000 cases diagnosed each year. Around 5–15 per cent of cases are hereditary, caused by inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and other DNA repair genes.

Lead investigator Professor Haitham Tuffaha, from the University of Queensland, said the research program shows Australia has a significant opportunity to modernise prostate cancer care.

“Genetic testing is becoming central to precision prostate cancer care. It can guide treatment decisions, identify aggressive disease earlier, and allow families to understand and manage inherited cancer risk,” Professor Tuffaha said.

“Our research shows that patients are ready for broader access to testing. However, clinicians need clearer national guidance, better systems and workforce support to deliver it effectively.”

Four key findings from the research program

The Delphi consensus study — involving clinicians, researchers and consumers — forms part of a broader Australian research program examining the value for money of genetic testing and how it should be implemented in prostate cancer care.

Across the program, four key findings emerged:

1. Australia lacks comprehensive national guidelines for prostate cancer genetic testing. Clinical practice currently relies largely on international guidelines and eviQ recommendations.

2. Consumers strongly support broader access to testing, while clinicians report uncertainty around testing pathways, workforce capacity and implementation.

3. Earlier testing in metastatic or high-risk disease can improve clinical outcomes and enable cascade testing for families.

4. Cascade testing of family members drives the greatest health benefit, enabling early detection and prevention for relatives at risk.

“The findings come from a multi-study Australian research program examining how genetic testing should be implemented in prostate cancer care, including an international guideline review, a national Delphi consensus study, and two Australian economic evaluations,” Professor Tuffaha said.

Despite the benefits identified, publicly funded testing in Australia remains largely limited to men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer eligible for targeted treatment.

PCFA calls for policy reform

Anne Savage, CEO of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, said the findings highlight the need for national policy reform to ensure Australians benefit from advances in precision medicine.

“Genetic testing has the potential to transform prostate cancer care — not only for men diagnosed with the disease, but also for their families,” Ms Savage said.

“Australia now has strong evidence showing the clinical and economic benefits of genetic testing. The next step is ensuring that policy, funding and clinical systems keep pace with the science.”

Identifying gaps in knowledge and access to genetic testing, through a nationwide survey of health professionals and consumers, would be a crucial step in informing future policy and education initiatives.

Research highlights importance of patient-centred care

PCFA Chief of Mission and Head of Research Professor Jeff Dunn AO said the study demonstrates how genetics is reshaping modern cancer care.

“Genetic testing allows clinicians to deliver more personalised, patient-centred care by matching treatments to the biology of a person’s cancer,” Professor Dunn said.

“It also creates an opportunity to protect families. When inherited cancer risk is identified, relatives can access earlier screening and prevention strategies that may ultimately save lives.”

Professor Dunn said the survey launch would play an important role in shaping the next phase of prostate cancer care in Australia.

“Understanding what clinicians and consumers know about genetic testing — and where the gaps are — will help ensure that future policies and services truly meet the needs of patients and families.”

National survey now open

PCFA’s national survey on prostate cancer genetic testing is now open to health professionals, people diagnosed with prostate cancer and members of the public:

https://redcap.unisq.edu.au/surveys/?s=RC7ECXALWHP4DKN7

The results will help inform policy recommendations aimed at improving access to genetic testing and integrating it into routine prostate cancer care across Australia.

Read the article as it appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald: It's the deadliest cancer for Australian men. This test could be life-saving for many, and their daughters.