BENEFITS OF A REGULAR CHECK-UP
Catch issues early
Seeing a GP about your health can help you catch the serious things sooner and manage the less serious things easier.
Build a relationship
It’s easier to open up to a doctor you feel comfortable with and if they’re familiar with your medical history, you can get to the bottom of health issues quicker.
Prevent new problems
Your GP can offer tailored, trustworthy advice on changes you can make to keep bigger health issues at bay.
WHEN YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY GET TO THE DOC
Sexual health
If you’re sexually active, especially when changing partners or after unprotected sex, get a sexual health check. Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, but can cause serious issues if left untreated. The check is quick, confidential, and much less awkward than you think.
Pre-conception health
Planning on starting a family? Chat to your doctor about a pre-conception health check to address factors that might affect fertility and your future child’s health.
Heart health check
If you’re over 45 (or over 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men), get your heart checked. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and sometimes an ECG. Don’t wait for chest pain to take heart health seriously.
Bowel cancer screening
From age 50, you’ll get a free test kit in the mail every two years until you turn 74. If you’re 45 to 49 you can also request a free test kit to be sent to you. It’s easy to do at home and over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if caught early.
Type 2 diabetes
The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases after 50 (or 35 if you’re from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural backgrounds). Poor diet, family history and physical inactivity can bump up your risk. Regular screening can catch it early and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Bone density
If you’re 70 or over, chat to your doctor about getting your bones checked with a DXA scan. If you’ve had a fracture from a minor fall or have low testosterone, you’ll need testing earlier. Keep your bones strong with regular exercise and watching your alcohol intake.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australian men, particularly in those over the age of 50. Talk to your doctor about your age, family history, and the benefits and risks of PSA testing. It’s about making an informed choice that’s right for you.
PRIORITY POPULATION HEALTH CHECKS
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 715 Health Check:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages can get their free 715 health check at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk-billing clinics. This health check helps identify whether you’re at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions. It’s much easier to prevent these than to treat them, so catching them early can make a big difference
At the appointment, a healthcare worker will ask you about your health and your family medical history. They will gather information about your health through a full assessment. You’ll talk about a plan to stay in good health. All up, the 715 health check should take under an hour.
If you have a chronic condition, your health check can help make sure you are getting the medication and care you need. You can also ask your healthcare worker about anything you’re worried about or need help with.
Veterans’ Health Check:
A Veterans’ Health Check is a comprehensive health assessment with your GP to help you better understand and optimise your health and wellbeing. It provides an opportunity to access early intervention care and appropriate referrals when you need it.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs have developed a comprehensive Veterans’ Health Check guide to assist GPs to support the Veteran community. You can ask your GP to use this guide. It is also contained in the software of most GP practices. It can also be found online at Veteran Health Check Providers or by searching ‘Veterans Health Check’.
Veterans’ health checks are confidential and your results will not be shared with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs unless you ask your GP.
Health Assessments for People with an Intellectual Disability:
People with intellectual disability can get a health assessment once a year that is supported by Medicare. The annual health assessment helps identify unmet health needs and preventable conditions.
People with intellectual disability should go to their usual doctor for their annual health assessment. Going to the same doctor or clinic each time will help health professionals to understand the person’s health needs.
It is recommended to book a long (45-60 minutes) appointment for the annual health assessment and asking the practice if a practice nurse will be available to support it.
MYTHS VS. REALITY
“I know my body — I’ll know when something’s wrong.”
The real deal: Your body’s not always great at sending clear messages. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and early diabetes — these things are silent until they’re not and by then you’re playing catch-up.
“That stuff’s for old blokes, I’m too young to worry.”
The real deal: Getting checks in your 20s and 30s isn’t just about finding problems — it’s about setting benchmarks. Knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to spot when things change.
“Health checks are a waste of time if I feel fine.”
The real deal: Most of the serious stuff doesn’t ring alarm bells until it’s had a good head start. Your doctor can spot issues while they’re still in the starting blocks, not halfway down the track.
“It’s probably nothing.”
The real deal: Maybe — but why risk it? Getting it checked is the only way to be sure.
“GPs just rush you in and out — it’s not worth the hassle.”
The real deal: Finding the right GP who listens is a game-changer. Once you’ve got someone who knows your history, appointments get more efficient and useful. It’s like finding a good mechanic — worth the initial legwork.
“Real men tough it out.”
The real deal: Real strength is knowing when to speak up and take action for your health.
“Health checks are a waste of time if I feel fine.”
The real deal: Most of the serious stuff doesn’t ring alarm bells until it’s had a good head start. Your doctor can spot issues while they’re still in the starting blocks, not halfway down the track.
“I know my body — I’ll know when something’s wrong.”
The real deal: Your body’s not always great at sending clear messages. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and early diabetes — these things are silent until they’re not and by then you’re playing catch-up.
“GPs just rush you in and out — it’s not worth the hassle.”
The real deal: Finding the right GP who listens is a game-changer. Once you’ve got someone who knows your history, appointments get more efficient and useful. It’s like finding a good mechanic — worth the initial legwork.
“It’s probably nothing.”
The real deal: Maybe — but why risk it? Getting it checked is the only way to be sure.
“That stuff’s for old blokes, I’m too young to worry.”
The real deal: Getting checks in your 20s and 30s isn’t just about finding problems — it’s about setting benchmarks. Knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to spot when things change.
“Real men tough it out.”
The real deal: Real strength is knowing when to speak up and take action for your health.
Produced in partnership with
THE CENTRE FOR MALE HEALTH AT WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
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