Healthcare habits are a significant contributor to the lifespan gap between men and women, with women living an average of five years longer.
The Australian theme for Men’s Health Week this year is ‘See a GP’, encouraging physical, mental, and emotional check-ups to close that gap.
“When we have a patient who is a man and we can see that they haven’t seen a GP for a while – even if they are just in for a script or a medical certificate – we do as much as we can while they are here,” said western Sydney doctor, Musabbeha Khan.
The general practitioner said women are more proactive about their health.
“I’m not sure what it is – if it’s a feeling of shame or a feeling of failure for not looking after their health – but men are reluctant to see a GP,” she said.
This is concerning because men are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially after 30 years of age.
“There are a lot of young men who suffer from cardiac disease without realising. This can be because of their background, genetics, history of smoking, and stress levels,” she said.
The advice for men aged over 40 is to book a check-up even if they feel like they are in good health.
“What we do is a diabetes risk assessment, and if you are high-risk then you are automatically eligible for what we call a detailed health assessment,” Khan said.
“In our clinic, it’s half an hour with the nurse, then half an hour with a GP where we do a preventative body systems screening test. You don’t need to know what is happening – we ask the questions.
“Then when you turn 45 you are eligible for your bowel cancer screening and a big detailed comprehensive health assessment.”
Regardless of age, good mental health is crucial for a long, healthy life.
“Men often don’t present for that; they just suffer in silence. That causes irritation, relationships are affected, and overall work-life balance is affected,” Khan said.
“If they are feeling a little bit of agitation and sleep’s not great and appetite’s not great, or they are trying to medicate with smoking or alcohol consumption, those are indicators that they need to see a GP.”
Use this year’s Men’s Health Week as a prompt to book an appointment.
Men’s Health Week runs from June 15 to 21.
Ally Hall joined the team 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.