7 men's health checks to book now

Men need regular health check-ups to talk about preventive healthcare with their doctor and help detect early signs of common chronic diseases.

Many Aussie men are great at prioritising chores around the house, but this pragmatic, ‘can do’ attitude often stops short at seeing their GP for regular check-ups. In fact, the stats show Aussie men drop the ball when it comes to locking in their essential screening tests, which can have a huge impact on their health and longevity. This is why it’s important to book in those essential men’s health checks.

Why men are missing their key health checks

Concerns over the coronavirus and being conscious of not overburdening our health system meant that many of us put off going to the doctor during the pandemic. This had significant consequences, particularly for men. Victorian Cancer Registry figures show more than 7,000 cancer diagnoses in Victoria alone were missed during the first two years of the COVID pandemic – and in cancers common to both sexes, there were approximately 100 cases missing in women, compared to 2,000 missing in men.

The data also reveals prostate cancer tops the list of ‘missing’ diagnoses, at 2,800 cases, followed by melanomas. Experts are concerned there will be a spike in diagnosis of cancers that have already advanced, as issues that could have been detected early went unchecked during the pandemic.

Given the restriction of dental visits during lockdowns, it’s feared there will be an increased incidence of head and neck cancers, which can be detected at a dental check-up. Cancer Council Victoria is urging people to return to regular health and dental checks.

This is especially important for men, but males being doctor shy isn’t just a stereotype – it’s backed by the statistics. According to 2021 ABS figures, over the course of 12 months, women were more likely than men to see a GP (87.2% compared to 77.4%), have a pathology test (64.7% vs 51.9%), have an imaging test (43.5% vs 31.5%) or see a medical specialist (41% vs 33.8%).

Other stats show that Aussie women claim an average of 19.5 Medicare services per year, whereas men claim 14. Research from men’s health charity Movember revealed that three in four men (74%) have avoided the GP when they had a health concern, and more than half (51%) thought they could manage it themselves, or that it would go away by itself.

“Women are encouraged to have regular cervical screenings and breast self-examinations from about the age of 18, whereas men aren’t obliged or encouraged to have regular check-ups from a young age, so they never really get into the habit,” says Dr James Antoniadis, spokesperson for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

What men’s health checks are available?

Much like ignoring a sputtering engine in your car can end up causing bigger problems, putting off important screening tests or ignoring niggling symptoms isn’t a smart move long term.

“Being diagnosed late means relatively benign conditions that can (usually) be managed easily by a GP can lead to much more dire consequences in later life,” says medical director at InstantScripts, Dr Andrew Thompson. “A classic example is high blood pressure, which by itself usually doesn’t cause too many problems, but left uncontrolled is a primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke.”

Putting off seeing the doctor also represents a missed opportunity for important – and possibly life-changing – chats around preventive health.

“If men are coming in infrequently, we don’t get those opportunities to talk about lifestyle and behavioural factors like stress, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, diet and sleep that can make a difference in preventing chronic diseases from developing,” says holistic GP, Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos.

Here are some ways to get on the right track.

• Book an annual general check-up with your GP, no matter your age, suggests Dr Antoniadis. Telehealth consults can be a convenient starting point. “If you have any concerns about your family history or symptoms, a telehealth doctor can figure out the best course and potentially send you for initial investigations,” says Dr Thompson. Our partnership with GP2U, an online video GP service, makes it easier for eligible members to access telehealth services. All HCF members with health cover can access a standard GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50. See hcf.com.au/gp2u for more information. 
• It’s also important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. “Once trust, empathy and understanding are established, the patient is more likely to continue following up with that doctor,” Dr Kotsirilos says.

Seven screening tests for men, some of which can be done at home

1. Heart health check

Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of Aussie men, accounting for more than one in 10 of all deaths. If you’re 45 or over, or of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and aged 30 or over, the Heart Foundation recommends an annual heart health check (covered by Medicare). In this 20-minute test, your GP will assess your medical and family history, lifestyle, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

For younger men, it’s still worth getting an annual blood pressure check, and cholesterol screening every three to five years, Dr Antoniadis adds. Buying an at-home blood pressure monitor for semi-regular tests doesn’t hurt, either. “If your blood pressure is elevated (over 130/90) for a couple of readings, see your GP,” says Dr Thompson.

 2. Bowel cancer screening

A reassuring 99% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully if found early – yet only 41.6% of people sent test kits (every two years, from the age of 50 to 74 as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program) actually complete them. The test involves collecting two samples from your bowel motions, which are then tested for blood, which would prompt further investigations with your doctor. “It’s very simple to do and you don’t even need to leave home except to post the sample back,” says Dr Thompson.

If you’re outside of the free testing ages through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, you might still be eligible to claim towards the bowel cancer screening kit under your extras cover. A two-month waiting period applies.

3. Sexual health test

Anyone having unprotected sex with more than one partner (including both gay and heterosexual men) should have an annual sexual health check-up. This can be with a GP, or at a sexual health clinic, or when you have concerns like a penile discharge or ulcer. “Some infections like chlamydia may not be symptomatic, so a routine test once a year is worthwhile,” says Dr Kotsirilos.

You can also chat to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have with planning for a baby or your fertility.

4. Skin cancer scan

Developing a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles is something all men can do at home – these tips will show you what to look for. If you’re at higher risk of skin cancer (fair skin, lots of unusual moles or a family history of melanoma) you should have a proper skin examination with your doctor every six to 12 months. “Sometimes we’ll find spots that we have concerns about in places people don’t normally check themselves,” says Dr Thompson.

5. Diabetes screening

“The incidence of type 2 diabetes is going up in the Australian population, and it’s mostly lifestyle related, with diet, lack of exercise and stress being contributors,” says Dr Kotsirilos. To work out if you’re at risk (over 55 is the key age group, or over 45 and overweight), complete the short AUSDRISK online quiz – if your risk is elevated, see your GP. “They can do a simple urine test, and a glucometer test on the spot to see what your blood sugar levels are like,” Dr Kotsirilos says. Your GP may also recommend a glucose tolerance or HbA1c diagnostic blood test, which measures the amount of blood sugar attached to your haemoglobin.

6. Prostate and testicular cancer screening

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Aussie men (apart from common skin cancers), and it is most prevalent in men aged over 55. “Screening is something men have avoided due to the uncomfortable [digital rectal] exam, but the PSA blood test (a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer) is usually our starting point these days,” Dr Thompson says. “I’d recommend screening every two years from age 50, earlier if you have a first-degree relative (a parent, full sibling or child) with prostate cancer.”

Testicular cancer, on the other hand, is more of a young man’s disease. “Similar to breast examination, men are encouraged to feel their testicles in the shower for any lumps,” Dr Antoniadis says, noting that early detection has about a 99% cure rate, when the cancer has not spread beyond the testicles.

7. Men’s mental health check-up

There is a mental health crisis among men, with one in eight experiencing depression and one in five experiencing anxiety at some point. Around 75% of Australian suicides are male. The K10 is a simple two-minute online anxiety and depression check test commonly used by Aussie GPs and mental health professionals. It’s a good starting point for working out what level of support you may need.

“Depending on the level of severity of diagnostic signs and symptoms, the GP will either refer to a psychologist, psychiatrist or they might do some psychological strategies themselves,” says Dr Antoniadis.

To help make it as easy and fast as possible for you and your family to get the mental wellbeing support you need, HCF offers eligible members⁺ access to a free HealthyMinds Check-in with a PSYCH2U psychologist. PSYCH2U mental wellbeing services are unique to HCF, providing access to online video support and navigation to other mental health services as needed.

For mental health support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or access free online counselling 24/7.

If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, and need to speak to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

We’re here for you

We try to make it easy for you to access the health services and support you need and help make getting regular check-ups an easy process.

Seeing your doctor in person is an important part of getting health checks. If you can't make it in to see your GP, eligible members can also access GP telehealth sessions via our partnership with GP2U.

PSYCH2U mental wellbeing services are unique to HCF, offering eligible HCF members access to online video support and navigation to other mental health services as needed.

Don’t forget to look after your teeth, mouth and gum health. Regular dental check-ups were also missed by many Aussies during the pandemic. If you have eligible extras cover, you can access one or two checks, scale and cleans and a fluoride treatment per year with no gap to pay at HCF Dental Centres or with a More for Teeth participating provider.

Words by Bonnie Bayley
Published November 2022