Too often, men put off going to the doctor, brushing off symptoms, delaying check-ups, or assuming everything is fine. The truth is that many serious health issues have little to no symptoms.
Dr Nick Grandjean-Thomsen, a Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) GP in Cairns, knows exactly how important those regular check-ups can be.
“I had a guy who was fit and healthy, but through a routine check, we found his kidney function was randomly off,” he said.
“This discovery led to an ultrasound of his kidneys and a CT scan, which found he had kidney cancer.
“He was pretty lucky to catch it early, as he had no symptoms, but that kind of thing happens a lot.”
Often, men, particularly in rural areas, wait until serious health issues arise before seeing a GP. As Dr Nick's patient learned, the body doesn’t always send clear warning signs when something is wrong, and if you don’t check, you might catch it too late.
This Men’s Health Week, the RFDS is urging men to prioritise their wellbeing and book a visit to their GP. If it’s been a while, here’s why it’s time to book in and make your health a priority.
You might feel fine, but that doesn’t mean you are
One common barrier for men in seeing their GP is the belief that feeling okay means being healthy. However, serious conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer can show no symptoms until significant damage is done. Regular check-ups, even when you feel well, allow for early detection and better management of health issues before they become serious.
Be proactive, not reactive
If you notice any changes with your health, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sudden weight changes, or a new mole, these red flags shouldn’t be ignored. Your GP is there to assess your situation, spot problems early and advise the best next steps. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get it checked.
Hit an age milestone
It should come as no surprise that the older you get, the more regularly you should see your GP. Dr Nick said that “50 is a big age, once you hit that, you definitely need to start seeing your doctor more regularly, an annual visit is recommended, assuming you don’t have anything else going on.” If you’re under 50 years old and don’t have any existing health concerns, best to see your GP every two to three years for a check-up.
Stay on top of what to look out for
As a medical professional, your GP can provide a range of information and help educate you on what to look out for and how to manage your health. From how your age and other risk factors can affect your health to outlining the signs and symptoms you should pay attention to, they are an incredible information source you should use.
Access to allied health
Consider your GP as your first point of call for any health and wellbeing concerns, as they can effectively manage your health journey by directing you to the right specialist and allied health professionals. As a bonus, through GP management plans, you can gain subsidised access to a range of health services, including psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians. This reduces the cost barrier, enabling patients to gain access to these specialist services.
Someone to talk to
Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to who will listen to your concerns. Your GP is not only a medical expert; they can also be a trusted listener and a safe space when life gets tricky. You may already understand your situation and how to manage it, but having someone listen and possibly affirm your decisions can be all you really need.
Do it for your family
Your health impacts not just you but also the time you spend with your family and your presence in those moments. Whether playing football with your kids or meeting your future grandkids, good health is essential for enjoying every moment and milestone. “If nothing else motivates you, do it for your kids or your grandkids, to make sure you live the best life you can for as long as you can,” Dr Nick said.
Seeing your GP isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about taking charge of your health, your future, and the life you want to live. Don’t put it off, book your appointment and prioritise your health.
