Health

15th May, 2026Men’s Health: Common Concerns and When to See a GP

Australian men live longer than they used to, but they still die younger than women, and most often from causes that could have been picked up earlier. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that a boy born in 2024 can expect to live to about 81.6 years, but men are more likely than women to delay seeing a doctor, more likely to shrug off symptoms, and around three times more likely to die by suicide. 

The conditions that cut men’s lives short, including heart disease, certain cancers, and undiagnosed mental health concerns, all respond well to early intervention.

The good news is that a regular GP visit can pick up most of these issues before they become serious. Here are the most common men’s health concerns the doctors practising at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre see, along with the signs that should prompt a booking.

 

Heart, blood pressure, and metabolic health

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death for Australian men, and most of the early warning signs are silent. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms until something goes wrong, and the same is true for high cholesterol, prediabetes, and elevated blood sugar. A short set of checks during a standard GP appointment can flag any of these years before they cause real damage.

Men over 40 should be having a heart health check every one to two years. From age 45, you also become eligible for a Medicare-rebated health assessment that reviews your overall risk and helps put a long-term plan in place. We offer comprehensive GP appointments that cover cardiovascular risk, diabetes screening, and cholesterol checks in a single visit.

 

Mental health

One in eight Australian men will experience depression, and one in five will experience anxiety at some point in life (Source: BetterHealth). Despite this, men are less likely than women to seek help, and symptoms in men can look different. Instead of obvious sadness, depression often shows up as irritability, anger, sleep problems, increased drinking, or pulling back from family and mates.

If you have been feeling flat, on edge, or not quite yourself for more than a couple of weeks, it is worth booking a chat with a GP. Consultations are private and judgement-free, and there is no need to have things “figured out” before walking in. 

A GP can talk through what is going on, organise a mental health treatment plan with Medicare-rebated psychology sessions where appropriate, and point you toward additional support for ongoing resources between appointments.

 

Cancers worth screening for

Living in Queensland, skin cancer is the big one. Around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70, and most cases are linked to sun exposure. Annual skin cancer checks are a quick, painless way to catch suspicious spots early, especially for men who have spent years working or playing in the Queensland sun.

Other cancer screening to keep on the radar:

  • Bowel cancer. Free home test kits are mailed out every two years from age 50 through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. They are simple to use, and they should not gather dust on the kitchen bench.
  • Prostate cancer. Discussion of PSA testing usually starts around age 50, or earlier if there is a family history. A GP can talk you through the pros and cons before deciding.
  • Testicular cancer. Most common in men aged 15 to 40. Any new lump, swelling, or heaviness in the testicles is worth getting checked promptly, even if it seems minor.

 

Sexual and reproductive health

Erectile dysfunction, low libido, and fertility concerns are far more common than locker-room culture would suggest. They can also be early signals of underlying issues, including cardiovascular disease, low testosterone, diabetes, or untreated anxiety. 

A GP can run the right tests, talk through treatment options, and refer on where needed. Sexual health checks and STI testing are also straightforward and confidential, and form part of the broader men’s health services at Carina Medical.

 

When to book a GP appointment

Some symptoms should not wait. Book a GP appointment  sooner rather than later if you notice:

  • Chest pain, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue with activity
  • Persistent changes in toilet habits, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss
  • A new mole, or an existing one that has changed in size, shape, or colour
  • A lump or swelling in the testicles or breast tissue
  • Persistent sleep problems, low mood, or thoughts of self-harm
  • Erection difficulties that have been going on for more than a few weeks

Outside of red flags, a yearly general check-up is a worthwhile habit from your mid-twenties onward. From age 45 it becomes more important, and from age 50 regular screening for bowel and prostate health should be part of the conversation with your GP.

 

Book your check-up at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre

The doctors practising at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre offer GP appointments seven days a week, including extended hours on Saturday and Sunday, making it easier to fit a men’s health check around work and family. 

To book an appointment, head to the men’s health page or browse the full range of services on offer. Looking after your health is the most useful thing you can do for the people who rely on you, and a single appointment is often all it takes to get started.