At I-MED Radiology, we are experts in medical imaging, and we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. This November, we are proud to formally partner with and donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ).

By supporting vital research, advocacy, and patient support networks, we aim to play a positive and active role in community health. Together with our referring doctors, we are committed to improving outcomes for the estimated 48,000 men in New Zealand currently living after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Trust I-MED to get the answers that matter for you and your patients.

Download Guide: Prostate Cancer Guide for GPs

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in men and usually benign, but they can overlap with symptoms of prostate cancer. Furthermore, new urinary symptoms in men with a history of prostate cancer may reflect treatment effects or recurrence.

GPs play a central role in monitoring symptoms and PSA, and recognising when specialist review or medical imaging will change clinical management.

4-Step Clinical Pathway

1. Assess: Review urinary symptoms, family history, and relevant risk factors. Consider PSA testing, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and urinalysis based on clinical assessment and shared decision-making.
2. Investigate: An isolated raised PSA without red flags or an abnormal DRE should usually be repeated after 6–12 weeks. Consider benign causes of PSA elevation.
3. Refer: Refer to a specialist when DRE is abnormal, PSA remains elevated, or concerning features are present. Referral urgency depends on findings and local pathways.
4. Imaging: Prostate MRI is typically utilised following a specialist assessment to guide investigation. A biopsy is required to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.

(Note: PCFNZ recommends considering an annual prostate check (PSA and DRE) from age 50, from 45 years with a known family history, or from age 40 with a genetic predisposition such as a BRCA2 gene variation or Lynch Syndrome).

Urgent Assessment / Red Flags

Immediate clinical review is recommended for patients presenting with:

• Visible haematuria
• Renal failure
• Significant bone pain
• Neurological signs of cord compression

Download Guide: Prostate Cancer Guide for GPs

Providing comprehensive clinical details helps our radiologists choose the correct modality and protocol the first time, ensuring we provide a clinically actionable report for you and your patient.

When writing a referral, please include:

• Treatment History: Include dates of surgery, radiation, focal therapy, or ADT. (Avoid writing just "Post-RP").
• PSA Trend: List specific values and dates (e.g., 0.09, 0.16, 0.24 ng/mL over 9 months). This is highly preferred over stating "PSA rising".
• Current Systemic Therapy: Note ADT or androgen receptor pathway inhibitor agents and their start dates.
• Clinical Question: Explicitly state the diagnostic goal (e.g., "Local recurrence?" vs. "Whole-body staging?" vs. "Fracture or metastasis?").
• MRI Safety and Contrast: Note eGFR, contrast allergies, and any implants (penile prosthesis, artificial urinary sphincter, pacemaker, etc.).

Download Guide: Prostate Cancer Guide for GPs

I-MED Radiology Network delivers uncompromising quality across our New Zealand clinics in Hamilton (Meade Clinical Centre, Lomas Building, Thackeray Street, Hamilton Lake), Tauranga, and New Plymouth.

Order Referral Pads or Editable PDFs

Access Patient Images via InteleConnect

Contact Our Clinics for Pre-Referral Consultation

For more information on prostate cancer testing pathways, direct your patients to the Kupe Decision Support Tool or the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ.