An Australian-first decision aid for PSA testing that has been tried by nearly 4000 men is hoped to save thousands from unwanted side effects of potentially unnecessary prostate cancer treatment.

The online PSA testing tool, which outlines the risks of developing prostate cancer with and without testing, as well as the likelihood of false positives and overdiagnosis, was launched by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia on Monday.

Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong, who initiated the tool’s development, said it would empower men to make informed decisions about screening.

“We have designed it specifically for men in the age that the national guidelines specify, which is 50-69 years, and who are thinking about PSA testing,” he told Australian Doctor.