Health Checks For Men Of All Ages In Australia - A Guide
Contents
Facebook 
X 
Copy Link
Overview
The following guide provides essential health screening information for all male Australians regardless of their age.
Your health maintenance should begin before any medical issues emerge. Australian men frequently place their health checks at the bottom of their priority list. Work responsibilities together with family duties and daily tasks consume most of their time.
Regular health screenings help doctors detect medical issues at their most treatable stages.
This guide presents essential health screening requirements for men throughout their entire life span. The following guide presents specific health screening recommendations for Australian men at different life stages.
Why Men's Health Checks Matter
Australian men visit doctors less frequently than women do for their medical check-ups. Men tend to postpone medical help until their conditions become more severe, which results in delayed diagnoses and worse health outcomes.
Regular medical check-ups provide essential benefits to your health.
The detection of health issues at their beginning stage leads to better treatment results. Medical tests performed during routine check-ups enable doctors to detect serious health issues before patients show any symptoms.
Disease prevention through early detection is far simpler than treating established conditions. Identifying risk factors early allows lifestyle changes that protect long-term heart health.
Mental health requires the same level of attention as physical health. Men in Australia face three times the risk of suicide-related deaths compared to women. Regular medical visits allow men to discuss mental health concerns with their doctors.
Australian Men Face Multiple Obstacles When Seeking Medical Care
- Men may skip medical tests because they believe they are unnecessary if they feel well.
- Busy schedules and the assumption of good health often prevent routine check-ups.
- Discomfort or embarrassment about health issues can discourage men from seeking help, despite doctors being experienced with all conditions.
- Seeking medical care reflects strength, not weakness.
Why Regular Health Checks Are Essential for Men
- Regular health checks help track blood pressure, weight changes, and cholesterol levels over time.
- Your GP can explain which preventive health services are covered by Medicare.
Health Checks for Men Based on Their Age Group
Men between 13 and 19 years old
The teenage years are an important time to establish healthy habits. The following checks are recommended:
- A general physical examination to assess growth, development, and overall health.
- Mental health screening, as adolescence presents unique emotional challenges.
- Ensuring HPV and meningococcal vaccinations and boosters are up to date.
- Regular skin checks due to Australia’s high skin cancer rates.
- Awareness of normal testicular appearance and prompt review of any lumps or changes.
Men in Their 20s
Your 20s are when long-term health habits are formed. Recommended checks include:
- Blood pressure checks at least every two years if results are normal.
- STI screening for sexually active individuals with new partners.
- Mental health evaluations, as anxiety and depression often begin in this stage.
- Annual skin cancer checks, especially for those with outdoor exposure.
- Lifestyle reviews covering smoking, alcohol intake, diet, and physical activity.
Men in Their 30s
Health risk factors often begin to emerge in your 30s. Regular health checks should include:
- Baseline cholesterol and blood glucose tests to assess heart disease and diabetes risk and allow early lifestyle intervention.
Men in Their 40s
Your 40s introduce new health challenges that require closer monitoring. Recommended checks include:
- Annual prostate examinations.
- Yearly skin cancer checks.
- Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
- Ongoing lifestyle assessments covering diet, alcohol use, smoking, and exercise.
- Annual mental health evaluations.
- Testicular examinations for any unusual lumps or changes.
Men in Their 50s
The 50s require more detailed health checks because various health issues become more common during this decade. Your health checks should include:
- Your doctor should perform annual prostate exams to check for any potential issues.
- Your doctor should perform annual skin cancer checks to detect any suspicious growths.
- Your doctor should check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels during your annual visit.
- Your doctor should evaluate your current lifestyle choices regarding smoking and alcohol consumption and dietary habits and physical activity levels.
- Your doctor should perform annual mental health evaluations to check for any signs of depression or anxiety.
- Your doctor should check your testicular area for any unusual lumps or changes during your annual visit.
Men in Their 60s and Beyond
Older men need to focus on their heart health and cancer screening and mental health evaluation. Your health checks should include:
- Your doctor should perform annual prostate exams to check for any potential issues.
- Your doctor should perform annual skin cancer checks to detect any suspicious growths.
- Your doctor should check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels during your annual visit.
- Your doctor should evaluate your current lifestyle choices regarding smoking and alcohol consumption and dietary habits and physical activity levels.
- Your doctor should perform annual mental health evaluations to check for any signs of depression or anxiety.
- Your doctor should check your testicular area for any unusual lumps or changes during your annual visit.
The following health checks should be performed by men at different ages:
- Weight and waist measurement. The accumulation of abdominal fat tissue leads to higher cardiovascular disease risk.
- Blood pressure monitoring. Your doctor should perform blood pressure checks every two years but increase the frequency when your readings show elevation.
- Dental check-ups. Your dental health directly impacts your complete body wellness so schedule regular visits to your dentist.
- Family history review. Schedule a meeting with your GP to discuss any inherited medical conditions that affect your family.
Health Tests for Men
| Test | Starting Age | Frequency |
| Blood pressure | 18+ | Every 2 years (more often if elevated) |
| Cholesterol | 30+ (or earlier with risk factors) | Every 5 years |
| Blood glucose | 40+ (or earlier with risk factors) | Every 3 years |
| Bowel cancer screening | 50 | Every 2 years |
| Skin check | All ages | Annually |
| Eye examination | 40+ | Every 2–4 years |
| Hearing test | 50+ | Every 2 years |
| Prostate discussion | 50+ (earlier if high risk) | As advised by GP |
Mental Health Checks for Men
Men should treat their mental health with equal importance as they do their physical health. The Australian population shows men tend to avoid seeking help for psychological issues yet their untreated conditions lead to serious health problems.
The following signs indicate potential mental health issues:
- Depression or irritability lasting more than two weeks
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies
- Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
- Difficulties with concentration and decision-making
- Hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm
What to do: Speak with your GP. Your GP will help you access psychologists and counsellors through a Medicare-subsidised Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Important: If immediate help is needed, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
Cancer Screening for Men
The screening process helps doctors detect diseases before patients show any symptoms. The following screening programs exist for Australian men:
- Bowel cancer. Free home test kits for men aged 50–74.
- Prostate cancer. PSA testing should be discussed with a GP.
- Skin cancer. Regular self-checks and annual professional exams.
- Testicular cancer. Early detection through self-examination.
Note: Cancer risk depends heavily on family medical history. Always share relevant background with your GP.
How Hola Health Can Help
Hola Health provides Australian men with easy access to medical care through our telehealth appointment platform.
Our doctors support general health checks, mental health care, referrals, and test follow-ups with flexible appointment times.
FAQ
How often should men get a health check in Australia?
People with no health issues should visit their doctor at least once per year. People with health issues or risk factors need to visit their doctor more than once per year.
What specific tests are included in a standard men's health examination?
A standard check includes blood pressure measurement, weight and BMI assessment, lifestyle discussion, and appropriate blood tests. Your GP will perform additional examinations based on your age and medical background.
What age range should men begin checking their prostate health?
There is no universal answer for this question. Men aged 50 and older should consult their doctor about prostate health. Men with a family history of prostate issues and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent should begin prostate health discussions at an earlier age.
Which health tests should men undergo during their 20s and 30s?
Essential tests during this period include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, sexual health screenings, and mental health evaluations. All Australians should undergo regular skin checks regardless of age.
What health assessments should men undergo during their 40s?
Men should complete heart health evaluations, diabetes screenings, eye examinations, and begin discussions about prostate health with their doctor.
Do men who maintain good health still require regular medical check-ups?
Yes. Many serious medical conditions develop without producing warning signs. Early detection through regular health checks leads to better treatment outcomes. Prevention remains the most effective approach to long-term health.
See a GP online within just 15 minutes.
Download the app today.
Related Articles
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.