Don't put it off: Aussie men urged to visit their GP this Men's Health Week

Australian men are waiting too long between noticing a change in their health and visiting their GP, risking a minor health concern turning into a life-changing one.

Western Sydney University and Healthy Male are teaming up again this Men’s Health Week (15–21 June 2026) to highlight the importance of seeing a GP, and to encourage men to take action as soon as something doesn’t feel right.

Research shows that about two-thirds of Australian men delay seeing a doctor when symptoms arise, with younger men aged 18-29 years being the hardest age group to get to see a health professional.

With this year’s campaign promoting “101 reasons to see your GP”, Simon von Saldern, Healthy Male CEO, said that Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to remind men about the impact of waiting too long to get health changes checked, and to challenge the misconceptions around what needs medical attention.

“Most Australian men don’t realise that their GP can help them with a range of problems — from fertility and conception to skin checks, mental health plans and sleep issues — your doctor should be your first call when you notice something isn’t quite right,” said Mr von Saldern.

“You can’t be a good dad, partner, friend or son if you’re not taking your health seriously. Delaying getting a health change seen to could make all the difference in the outcome and could prevent more serious health issues down the track.”

Associate Professor Emma George, Simon von Saldern and Special Envoy for Men's Health, The Hon Dan Repacholi MP

With Australian men experiencing, on average, nearly five years less of ‘healthy life’ than women and facing higher mortality rates due to preventable diseases and suicide, Men’s Health Week is an annual reminder for blokes that going to the doctor isn’t a big deal, it’s a simple action to live a longer, healthier life.

Associate Professor Emma George, Director of the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney University, emphasised that initiatives like this are key to normalising regular GP visits among men.

“I’m so pleased that the Centre for Male Health and Healthy Male are partnering to coordinate Men’s Health Week in Australia for a third year in a row. We both share a very strong mission to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys by making reliable information accessible, and encouraging men to engage more with health services, one conversation at a time,” said Associate Professor George.

“It is so important for men to find a GP that they can trust and raise any concerns with. A regular GP knows your medical history, they can help with your health goals, provide guidance on preventive health checks or spot any health changes over time.

“We know that healthier men have an impact on their families, workplaces and communities so they need to ensure they take care of themselves and in turn, can be there for those around them.”

The collaboration between the Centre for Male Health and Healthy Male for Men’s Health Week also involves partners from different sectors, including Anchor Health, Australian Men’s Shed Association, CPA Australia, Dads Group, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Fellow Psychology, MATES in Construction, Sydney Water, The Man Cave, The Men’s Table and Top Blokes Foundation.

For more information and 101 reasons for Australian men to see their GP, visit menshealthweek.com.au.

ENDS.

15 June 2026
Media Unit