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Top 5 men’s health concerns you need to know about

24 October 2025
A well lit dining room has a full table of cups and plates, while two children sit eating dinner with their mum and dad

Picture the average Aussie bloke. Is he wrangling crocodiles in the outback, decked out in khaki? Or is he suited up and heading to work in a high-rise office building? Maybe he’s a stay-at-home dad or a tradie laying bricks down the street. 

No matter how you picture it, the average Aussie man has a shorter life expectancy than an Aussie woman. This comes down to the fact that most men don’t address their health issues when they experience symptoms. In fact, men tend to visit the doctor less often than women. And when they do go, it’s for a short visit or they go when their illness becomes more severe. 

But visiting the GP (or another healthcare professional) isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and it can make you a good role model for other men in your life. Plus, it can help you identify any health concerns early for effective treatment. If you need a push to see a doctor, then you’re in the right place. We’re exploring five men’s health issues to be aware of so you can take steps towards having good health. 

1. Mental health and loneliness 

Mental health can impact anyone. But for men, around 43% experience a mental health problem in their life but only 37% reach out for support. On top of that, 26% of men admit that they delay seeing their GP for help even when they need it. 

But your mental health is like any other health issue. If you break your leg, you need time to heal. The same logic applies to your mental wellbeing. If you think you need support for your mental health or you’re unsure, here are some simple things you can do now: 

  • Talk to a person you trust about how you feel. This can be your partner, a relative or your friends 

  • Contact a mental health support line, such as Beyond Blue. They have professional counsellors who are there to listen to you 

  • Book an appointment with your GP. They can develop a mental health plan to help you get back on track 

  • Download a mental health app for on-the-go support 

  • Try some mindfulness activities, like meditation or going for a walk around the block. 

2. Prostate cancer 

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Aussie men. Even though the average diagnosis age is 70, around one in 12 men will have prostate cancer before then. Prostate cancer forms when the cells in your prostate glands grow abnormally, which creates a tumour. Here’s a quick list of some prostate cancer signs for you to keep an eye out for: 

  • You have trouble starting and stopping urination 

  • It’s painful to urinate or you feel a burning sensation 

  • You feel like you can’t empty your bladder fully 

  • You see blood in your urine or semen 

  • You lose weight unexpectedly. 

Even though an enlarged prostate might be benign, it’s still a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They can organise any tests required to work out if you have prostate cancer. 

3. Heart health 

A healthy heart truly does mean a healthy life. But more than twice as many men experience heart attacks and are hospitalised compared to women. This can be because of family history, not eating well or exercising and smoking or drinking too much alcohol.  Want to know how you can reduce the risk of a heart attack? Then here are some simple tips you can follow: 

If you feel pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of your upper body or other heart attack symptoms and they don’t go away after 10 minutes, call Triple Zero (000). 

4. Bowel cancer 

Have you ever thought about your bowel movements? If the answer is no, then it might be time to start paying attention. Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and it’s also the third deadliest. You might get this type of cancer because of small polyps growing inside your intestines.  

If you’re aged 50 to 79, you’ll receive an at-home bowel screening test as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. And if you’re 45 to 49 years of age, you can request a free at-home screening kit too. Need a little nudge to get your kit? Then listen up: if you find bowel cancer early, around 90% of cases can be treated. Just one little kit has the potential to save your life. 

5. Skin cancer 

In the land down under, we’ve been told to slip, slop, slap and slide from a young age. But according to the Cancer Council, around 71% of Aussie men don’t use sunscreen regularly and 51% don’t look for shade during summer. The result? About one in 14 men having a chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 85. To look for any signs of skin cancer, you should use the ABCDE method of skin-checking: 

  • Asymmetry: Look for spots that are not symmetrical 

  • Border: Spots with an irregular edge or border may be of concern 

  • Colour: Keep an eye out for spots that are blotchy and contain several colours, like black and red 

  • Diameter: If a spot is getting bigger, it may be cause for concern 

  • Evolving: Look out for any spots that are changing and evolving. 

Spot any unusual moles? Then book in a skin check with your GP today. They can do a thorough examination of your moles and spots for any signs of skin cancer. 

Take the first step towards better health and wellbeing 

If you’re ready to take your health into your own hands, we’ve got some handy programs and tools to get you started. You can access convenient telehealth services at any time through our partner hub.health. Whether it’s the common cold or something more serious, a qualified clinician can help you out. 

We’ve also got a range of Health Management Programs to keep you at your healthiest. Plus, it’s all free if you’re an eligible nib member. These programs can help you with your heart health, mental health and so much more. 

And if you want to get a snapshot of your health from the comfort of your couch, we’ve got good news for you. Our HealthCheck tool can give you personalised insights and resources to help you manage and improve your health. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please call: 

 Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.