Breakthrough technology to diagnose prostate cancer has been unveiled at a Brisbane hospital.

Urologists at the Wesley are the first in Australia to trial new imaging technology which could change the rate of prostate cancer survival dramatically.

Dominick Czakilew reports.

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Each year, 3300 men die of prostate cancer in Australia.

Until now, specialists haven’t been able to image the prostate accurately; whereas effective imaging for breast cancer has been available for 25 years.

The new MRI technology gives an accurate diagnosis in 90% of cases.

Dr Jelle Barentsz, Dutch Specialist: “This image can be made from any man, from any prostate and can show exactly if there is a tumour and shows the tumour’s aggression.”

The technology isn’t invasive and eliminates the need for for unnecessary biopsies.

Dr Rob Parkinson, Radiologist: “The worst part for patients is they have to lie in a tight tunnel and some people get claustrophobic, but you really just have to lie there, that’s it.”

Prostate cancer survivors are optimistic.

Peter Dornan, Survivor: “I am very much in favour of this, I think it’s one of the biggest steps I’ve seen since I’ve been involved with prostate cancer, which is 15 years now.”

Experts say it could take a few years for the new technology to be fully implemented. But it can’t reach its full potential without government funding.

Planning is under way for a clinical trail to take place at the Wesley later this year.

Dominick Czakilew, QUT News.