Prostate Health and Preventative Care
🌟 By Dr Alex Terris
Prostate health is an important part of preventive care for men, particularly from age 40 onwards. At Safety Beach Medical and Wellness Practice, we support men across Safety Beach, McCrae, Dromana and the Mornington Peninsula with informed, evidence based prostate screening and whole person health care.
If you are searching for PSA testing near Safety Beach or a prostate check on the Mornington Peninsula, early conversation with your GP is key.
Prostate Cancer in Australia
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men. While there is no national screening program, informed testing can support early detection.
Key facts
- Around 1 in 6 Australian men will be diagnosed in their lifetime
- Risk increases from age 50
- Higher risk men may need earlier monitoring, eg Family history
- Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms
- Most men diagnosed early live long healthy lives
Symptoms when present may include urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, or unexplained bone pain. However, many men have no symptoms in early stages.
That is why proactive discussion matters.
PSA Testing and 2025 Guideline Updates
Recent Australian guideline updates provide clearer recommendations for PSA testing.
Men interested in testing may be offered
- A baseline PSA test from age 45
- Two yearly PSA testing for men aged 50 to 69
- Individualised testing for men over 70 based on overall health
- Earlier and more frequent testing for higher risk men including those with family history
Digital rectal examination is no longer routinely recommended in primary care, reducing barriers to testing.
If you are unsure whether PSA testing is right for you, book a consultation to discuss your individual risk and preferences.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer
You may be at increased risk if you
- Have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Have multiple relatives with prostate cancer
- Are of African or sub-Saharan ancestry
- Are over 50 years of age
Your GP can guide appropriate timing and frequency of testing.
Prostate Health and Whole Person Care
Prostate health should not be viewed in isolation. Fatigue, erectile changes, urinary symptoms and chronic disease can overlap.
At Safety Beach Medical and Wellness Practice, assessment may also include
- Cardiovascular risk review
- Diabetes screening
- Blood pressure assessment
- Weight management
- Mental health screening
- Medication review
A comprehensive approach ensures safe and coordinated care.
Chronic Disease Management for Men
Men living with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or other long-term conditions may benefit from a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
This may include
- Regular GP review
- Coordinated allied health support
- Medication optimisation
- Lifestyle strategies
Managing these conditions well also supports prostate and overall health.
Over 75 Health Assessments for Older Men
For men aged 75 years and over, a Medicare funded annual health assessment provides a structured review of
- Physical health
- Cognitive function
- Medication safety
- Falls risk
- Social supports
Combining proactive prostate care with regular senior health assessments supports independence and quality of life on the Mornington Peninsula.
Prostate Health Doctors in Safety Beach
Independent medical practitioners consulting at Safety Beach Medical and Wellness Practice include:
- Dr Alex Terris
- Dr Kautilya Jaiswal
- Dr Ben McCann
- Dr Michael Dobson
- Dr Rob Jeffs
- Dr Emily Aries
- Dr Jo Pollott
- Nicole Prest Nurse Practitioner
- Dr Sarah Jeffs
We provide personalised, evidence-based care tailored to your stage of life and risk profile.
When Should You See a GP About Prostate Health
Book an appointment if you
- Are aged 45 or over and want to discuss baseline PSA testing
- Are aged 50 to 69 and have not had recent PSA testing
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Notice urinary changes
- Have erectile changes or unexplained fatigue
- Want a comprehensive men’s health review
Early conversation supports informed decision making.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate specific antigen levels. It helps assess prostate cancer risk and is interpreted alongside age and clinical factors.
Men can discuss a baseline PSA test from age 40. Two yearly testing is commonly recommended for men aged 50 to 69. Higher risk men may start earlier.
PSA testing requested by your GP for clinical reasons is generally Medicare eligible.
No. Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. That is why informed testing can be valuable.
Testing after age 70 is individualised based on health status and life expectancy. Discuss this with your GP.
Safety Beach Medical and Wellness Practice provide PSA testing discussions and prostate health assessments for men in Safety Beach, McCrae, Dromana and surrounding areas.
