Pathology tests to prioritise in 2023

Here are five tests pathology experts are urging elderly Australians to keep on top of this year:

1. Cervical Screening Test (CST)

The CST tests for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus known to cause most cervical cancers. On July 1, 2022, self-collection of samples became available to anyone with a cervix aged 25-74. What this means is that patients no longer need their GP or nurse to insert a speculum to collect the cervical sample.

"Australians need to be aware that prevention of cervical cancer requires regular screening as well as HPV vaccination for those who are eligible. Young people who have been vaccinated are not protected against every type of HPV so still need to be tested," said Pathology Awareness Australia, Professor Marion Saville.

People with a cervix aged 25-74 are recommended to have a cervical screening test every five years.

2. Liver Function Test (LFT)

The Liver Function Test is made up of multiple blood tests that give insight into how well a person's liver is working. The test detects substances in the blood, including proteins and enzymes, that are produced and released by liver cells when they are damaged. It is recommended that Aussies speak to their GPs to determine which liver function tests to order based on symptoms and personal and family health history. Health behaviours such as increased alcohol consumption and reduced exercise can have a negative impact on liver health..

3. HbA1c (to detect and monitor diabetes)

HbA1c is a pathology test that can diagnose and help to monitor type 2 diabetes. It is recommended that anyone aged 45 years and older speak to their doctor about when they should be having this test and how often. Diabetes is growing at significant rates across the world and is recognised as the fastest growing chronic condition globally.

If a person is over 35, has a waist circumference over 100cms (95 for some ethnic groups), and/or exercises less than 2.5 hours a week, it is recommended to consider this test and speak to a GP about diabetes risk. It can take seven years for symptoms of diabetes to show in some people, during this time diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and eyes.

4. Bowel Cancer Screening

For some, bowel cancer will have minimal symptoms until late in the disease, making early diagnosis without a screening test difficult." Over 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases are successfully treated if caught early.

5. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test

The PSA test is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. It measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA testing can assist in prostate cancer diagnosis at an early stage when treatment can be most effective and may result in fewer side effects.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia so early detection is vital. In Australia, it is recommended for men to have a PSA blood test every two years from age 50 to age 69.6 For those with a higher-than-average risk, such as those with a family history, regular testing can start earlier.

Pathology Awareness Australia is a not-for-profit company formed to improve understanding and recognition of Australia's pathology services.

The company represents 95 per cent of the Australian pathology sector with members including the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, private pathology groups, public pathology groups, manufacturers and suppliers to industry, and professional groups.

Pathology Awareness Australia runs the Know Pathology Know Healthcare initiative to educate Australians on the role of pathology in healthcare.