There is no national population screening program for prostate cancer. 

Encourage your clients to talk to their doctors about their own individual risk. A doctor may recommend a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test or rectal examination (using a gloved finger).

A PSA test is a type of blood test that measures the amount of PSA—a protein in the blood. 

Abnormal PSA levels don’t mean the person has cancer. Other health issues can also cause abnormal PSA levels. 

Encourage your clients to look out for changes in their body and see their doctor if they notice any:

• problems passing urine
• difficulty starting to pass urine
• increased frequency (having to pass urine more often)
• increased urgency (not being able to wait to go)
• pain or burning when passing urine
• blood in the urine or semen
• pain in the lower back and hips
• weak or numb legs or feet
• tiredness, shortness of breath, weight loss or dizziness.

• The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has resources for health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  
• Cancer Australia website – Our Mob and Cancer has information and resources on prostate cancer.
• Cancer Council NSW has information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for community.
• The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) also has Prostate cancer screening information (PDF).

A National Lung Cancer Screening Program commenced in Australia in July 2025. Lung screening helps to detect cancers at an early stage, which can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.

Screening for lung cancer involves a scan of your chest called a low-dose CT scan. The program is available to people aged 50 to 70 with a significant smoking history (who still smoke or have quit in the last 10 years) and no symptoms of lung cancer.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care worked with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to make sure the program is culturally safe. NACCHO has partnered with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector to make sure that the program is equitable, accessible and culturally safe for Aboriginal people.

For more information visit www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/first-nations or see NACCHO’s website for tailored program information materials and resources, including a participant shared decision making booklet.

If your client is not eligible for the program yet because they're under 50 or over 70, they should be monitored for symptoms of lung cancer as per usual care practices. Even if they’re not eligible because of smoking history, they can still take steps to reduce their risk such as quitting smoking.

The best thing you can do for your Mob is to have a yarn about quitting smoking.

It’s also important to know the symptoms of lung cancer and look out for them. Encourage your clients to look for changes in their bodies like:

• breathlessness
• a new cough or a change to an existing cough
• repeated chest infections
• coughing up blood
• chest pain
• unexplained weight loss
• lack of energy
• a hoarse voice
• problems swallowing
• loss of appetite.

If they notice any of these changes, they should go straight to their healthcare provider (Aboriginal Medical Service or doctor). 

Remember to also let your Mob know they can talk to their doctor if they’re confused or worried about lung cancer. 

• Cancer Council NSW has information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for community and health professionals.
• Cancer Australia has a guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families (PDF).