Research showing a massive increase in prostate cancer cases in Australian men has led to concerns about over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
A study conducted by the Cancer Council of New South Wales found the number of men diagnosed with the disease increased by more than 250% in the 20 years to 2007.
Report author and Associate Professor Freddie Sitas said the increase is due to the fact that so many men are having a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test which can be inacurate.
He said the study found the increased number of men being diagnosed means many are having highly invasive treatment, potentially resulting in unnecessary long-term health complications.
