Throughout the year, there is a focus on improving men’s health and reducing the stigma around men seeking help for mental and physical health concerns. An important aspect of improving the general health and wellbeing of men is to focus on work-life balance.
Statistically, men tend to prioritise their health less than women and may be less likely to seek help for health concerns until they are more serious.
Even if you feel healthy, you should see a doctor for regular check-ups. Many conditions or diseases can develop slowly over a long period and may not cause any symptoms initially. Screening tests can pick up early signs of disease. For many diseases, early management is more effective than later treatment.
Health checks for men
Prostate cancer screening
You may have wondered why there is no nationwide prostate cancer screening program in Australia (like the programs for breast and bowel cancers). That’s because experts do not recommend routine prostate cancer screening if you’re aged between 50 and 69, healthy, and don’t have a family history of prostate cancer.
There are several reasons for this:
- A high PSA level can be a result of something other than cancer.
- Experts don’t fully agree on what is a normal or abnormal PSA level.
- Most men with a slightly raised PSA level have a biopsy that confirms no cancer.
- Many prostate cancers are low risk, slow growing, and are unlikely to cause harm if left untreated.
- Testing and treating low risk, slow growing cancers may cause more harm than good.
You should speak to your doctor if you have a family history or ongoing symptoms of prostate cancer, such as difficulty passing urine. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision about whether prostate cancer screening is suitable for you.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on several factors:
- whether the cancer is high risk (based on the grade group, or Gleason score)
- the stage of the cancer — whether it is only found in the prostate or has it spread (metastasised) to elsewhere in the body?
- the PSA level and how fast it might be changing
- age and general health
- side effects of treatment
- personal preference
Bowel cancer
- A faecal occult blood test (stool sample test) is recommended every two years if you are aged 50 or above. If you are at increased risk, you may be advised to have a colonoscopy instead. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision about what is suitable for you.
Skin cancer
- Check your moles for any changes every three months. See your doctor regularly for a full body skin check, especially if you work outdoors or have had skin cancer before.
Depression
- Some men have depression that is not recognised by them or by those around them. If you feel down, irritable or angry and lose interest in things you usually enjoy, talk to your doctor.
- We have the EAP program at Aspen Medical or you can visit BlackDog Institute, Beyondblue or Lifeline for resources to help men with mental problems.
Teeth
- You should see a dentist for a check-up once a year.
Your HSE Manager can also provide advice if you require support.
