Men’s Health Checks: What’s Recommended at Every Age

ByFamily Doctor Editorial

Australian men on average visit a GP less often than women and die earlier. Many of the conditions that drive that gap — heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, mental illness — respond well to early intervention. A regular GP visit, even when you feel fine, is one of the most important things a man can do for his long-term health.

In Your 20s and 30s

  • Baseline health check — blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar. Establishes your normal so changes are easy to spot.
  • Mental health — anxiety and depression affect men as much as women but are more often missed. Your GP can help.
  • Testicular self-examination — testicular cancer is most common in men aged 20-35. Know what’s normal; report any lump, swelling, or change promptly.
  • Sexual health — STI screening if sexually active, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.
  • Skin check — Australia has the world’s highest rate of skin cancer. Start regular checks if you’ve had significant sun exposure.
  • Vaccinations — review childhood immunisation record; consider tetanus booster, flu annually, HPV if missed in adolescence.

In Your 40s

  • 45-49 year old health check — Medicare-funded one-off comprehensive assessment focused on preventing chronic disease.
  • Cardiovascular risk assessment — blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening become essential.
  • Waist measurement and weight — abdominal obesity is a strong predictor of diabetes and heart disease.
  • Mental health — midlife is a high-risk period for depression and suicide in Australian men.
  • Skin check — annual full-body check recommended if you have risk factors.
  • Prostate discussion — discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing with your GP. Not a routine test for everyone; depends on family history and individual risk.

In Your 50s

  • Bowel cancer screening — free test kits mailed to your home every 2 years from age 50.
  • Cardiovascular health — heart attack risk rises significantly. Regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks matter.
  • Prostate health — ongoing discussion with your GP about PSA testing based on family history and symptoms (urinary changes).
  • Diabetes screening — HbA1c every 3 years if you’re at average risk; annually if you have risk factors.
  • Eye check — baseline optometry assessment to detect glaucoma and age-related changes early.
  • Hearing check — early hearing loss is common and modifiable.

In Your 60s and Beyond

  • 75+ health assessment — Medicare-funded comprehensive annual check.
  • Continue bowel cancer screening every 2 years to age 74.
  • Cardiovascular review — medications often need adjusting as you age.
  • Cognitive health — your GP can screen for early dementia signs and discuss brain-healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Bone health — osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s issue. DEXA scan if you have risk factors.
  • Medication review — annual review to reduce polypharmacy risks.
  • Immunisations — shingles, pneumococcal, flu, and COVID-19 boosters.
  • Falls prevention — balance, strength, vision, and home safety.

Prostate Testing: The Honest Answer

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test remains debated. It can find prostate cancer early — but it can also flag cancers that would never have caused problems, leading to over-treatment. Most clinical guidelines recommend an informed discussion with your GP rather than routine screening.

Consider PSA testing if you:

  • Are over 50 with 10+ years of life expectancy
  • Have a father or brother with prostate cancer
  • Have urinary symptoms (frequency, difficulty, incomplete emptying)
  • Have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry or African heritage (higher genetic risk)

Mental Health Matters More Than You Think

Suicide rates in Australian men are three times higher than in women, and men are far less likely to seek help for mental illness. Depression in men often looks different — irritability, withdrawal, anger, increased drinking, and physical symptoms rather than classic sadness.

If you’ve noticed changes in your mood, sleep, energy, or enjoyment of things you used to like — see your GP. A Mental Health Treatment Plan gives you Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychologist sessions a year. It’s a practical, confidential first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I see my GP if I feel well?

Even without symptoms, a baseline check every 2-3 years in your 20s-30s, and annually from your 40s, is reasonable. It takes 20 minutes and catches issues early.

Are men’s health checks bulk billed?

The 45-49 year old check and 75+ assessment are Medicare-funded. Whether your clinic bulk bills depends on its billing policy — check your clinic’s fees page.

Do I need a referral for a digital rectal exam?

No. Your GP can perform this in-clinic as part of a general health check if clinically indicated. No referral needed.

What’s the single most important thing a man should do for his health?

Book a GP appointment before you need one. Having an established relationship with a GP — someone who knows your baseline — is the foundation for every other health decision.

Book a Men’s Health Check

Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and book a long appointment. If it’s been years, that’s fine — just get started.

Similar Posts