Doctors are warning of a “tidal wave” of disease as pathology tests drop in the wake of COVID-19 fears, including a steep decline in prostate cancer checks.  

New data shows prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests have fallen by 60% during the past two months compared with the same time last year, according to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Professor Jeff Dunn.  

“Australia’s healthcare system could be hit by a tidal wave of disease in the next 12 months if the diagnosis of prostate cancer and other chronic illnesses is held back because of COVID-19.”  

The fall in PSA testing mirrored a steep drop in pathology testing Australia wide, as patients appeared to put off going to their doctor due to the threat of coronavirus, and confusion about lockdowns and social distancing.