A parliamentary inquiry into the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer has found that men should be encouraged to make informed decisions about being regularly tested for the disease.
Parliament's health committee says while it has found a national screening programme isn't necessary, men need clear advice about what they should do.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men, with about 3000 new cases each year.
Committee chair Paul Hutchison says about 40% to 50% of men are being tested for prostate cancer every two years, but it is unorganised.
"It may be that the same men are getting more tests than they should be. What we want to do is ensure that as many men as possible are encouraged to make the choice, with their general practitioners, themselves."
Mr Hutchinson says the committee is also recommending the Ministry of Health establish a quality improvement programme for prostate cancer within the next 12 months.
