Men’s Health: The Checks Most Blokes Are Skipping (And Shouldn’t Be)
Australian men visit the GP significantly less often than women. They wait longer before coming in, they’re more likely to downplay symptoms, and they’re less likely to have a regular doctor at all.
The result is that a lot of preventable and treatable conditions get picked up later than they should, sometimes much later.
This isn’t about guilt. It’s just worth knowing what you should be getting checked, how often, and why it actually matters.
Why Men Avoid the GP
The reasons are pretty consistent. Not wanting to make a fuss. Assuming things will sort themselves out. Not having the time. Not wanting bad news. Sometimes just not knowing what to ask for.
None of those reasons go away, but understanding what a regular check actually involves, and what it can catch, tends to change the calculation for a lot of men.
The Checks That Matter Most
Blood pressure
High blood pressure has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing. It significantly increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, and it’s easily picked up with a cuff on your arm during any GP visit. If it’s elevated, it can usually be managed well.
Cholesterol and lipids
Again, no symptoms until something goes wrong. A simple blood test gives you your full lipid profile. This matters because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australian men.
Blood glucose
Type 2 diabetes is more common in men than women and is strongly linked to lifestyle factors. A fasting blood glucose test or HbA1c is quick and gives you important information, particularly if you’re carrying weight around the abdomen or have a family history.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian men. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free test kits to Australians aged 45 to 74 in the mail. If yours is sitting unopened in a drawer, do it. It takes five minutes and could save your life.
Skin checks
Men over 50 have the highest rates of melanoma in Australia. If you’ve spent your life outdoors, an annual skin check is not optional.
Prostate health
PSA testing (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood test used to help detect prostate cancer. There’s nuance around when and whether to test, which is worth discussing with your GP based on your age, family history, and individual risk. Generally, a conversation about prostate health is worth having from around age 50, or 40 to 45 if you have a family history.
Testicular awareness
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35. It’s very treatable when caught early. Self-examination and knowing what’s normal for you matters, and if something has changed or doesn’t feel right, see your GP.
Mental health
Men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide in Australia. Men are also less likely to seek help for mental health. If you’ve been struggling, flat, drinking more than usual, or feeling like things are piling up, your GP is a good starting point. There’s no threshold you need to reach before it’s worth talking about.
How Often Should You Go?
As a general guide:
- Under 40 with no known risk factors: every 2 to 3 years for a general health check
- 40 and over: annually, or more frequently if you have chronic conditions or risk factors
- Any time something changes or doesn’t feel right: don’t wait
What to Expect at a Men’s Health Check
A men’s health check at Southport Metro is a longer appointment that covers your history, lifestyle, relevant blood tests, blood pressure, and a conversation about any symptoms or concerns. It’s not a lecture. It’s just a chance to get a clear picture of where things are at.
If you haven’t been in for a while, or ever, it’s a good place to start.
Book at Southport Metro Doctors
No referral needed. We’re open 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro Shopping Centre in Southport.
Book online or call us on 07 5612 7830.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Please speak with your GP for health advice tailored to your individual circumstances.