Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Australian men.
Its incidence is expected to double by 2040. With advances in imaging transforming the way prostate cancer is detected, diagnosed and monitored, access to expert prostate imaging has never been more important.
This November, as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Noosa Radiology is highlighting the importance of proactive prostate health and the role that advanced imaging can play in providing a clearer picture when prostate cancer is suspected or diagnosed.
Dr Lisa Tarlinton is a dual-trained Radiologist and Nuclear Medicine Physician with extensive expertise in prostate and cancer imaging.
Her specialist training includes fellowships in PET/CT
Her specialist training includes fellowships in PET/CT and body oncology imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, one of the world’s leading cancer centres.
Lisa has a particular interest in prostate imaging, including the integration of PSMA PET/CT and prostate MRI to assist with the detection, staging and management of prostate cancer.
“Prostate imaging has evolved significantly over recent years. Having access to both advanced prostate MRI and PSMA PET/CT allows us to provide complementary information that can be particularly valuable in assessing and staging prostate cancer,” Dr Tarlinton said.
At Noosa Radiology, prostate imaging is supported
At Noosa Radiology, prostate imaging is supported by advanced technology across MRI and PET/CT, including 3T MRI, digital PET/CT and SPECT/CT.
Their prostate MRI service combines high-resolution imaging with dedicated expertise in prostate assessment, while PSMA PET/CT helps identify prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate and assists specialists with treatment planning.
Where appropriate, specialised PSMA PET/MRI fusion expertise allows MRI and PET/CT findings to be considered together, providing a more comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer. They also offer theranostics services for eligible patients.
Prostate imaging services are available to patients referred
Prostate imaging services are available to patients referred from across the region, with imaging available through their network of clinics in Noosa, Gympie, Cooroy and Coolum.
For eligible patients, prostate MRI may be Medicare eligible, while PSMA PET/CT is available for appropriate clinical indications.
“Being able to offer advanced prostate imaging locally means patients can access sophisticated imaging and specialist expertise without necessarily having to travel to a major metropolitan centre,” Dr Tarlinton said.
Know your risk.
Talk to your GP.
Prostate cancer can develop without obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages.
Men should discuss their individual risk factors
Men should discuss their individual risk factors and appropriate screening with their GP, including PSA testing. MRI screening may be appropriate for men with a high lifetime risk of prostate cancer.
“We are actively involved in ongoing research. A main focus has been on the role of MRI in high risk screening for Prostate cancer in addition to PSA blood tests. There have been exciting new developments in high risk MRI screening as a result of research efforts from Europe, the US and Australia” Dr Tarlinton said.
Noosa Radiology works closely with GPs, urologists, oncologists and other specialists to support the diagnosis and ongoing management of prostate cancer.
For more information about prostate imaging services, visit noosaradiology.com.au or speak with your GP or specialist.
