Men's Health: Key Insights and Steps Towards a Healthier Future
Men's health in Australia presents both significant challenges and opportunities for improvement. A 2022 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights the current state of male health, key risk factors, and strategies to help men lead longer, healthier lives. Understanding the health landscape for men can help both individuals and healthcare systems take meaningful steps to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes.
A Snapshot of Men's Health in Australia
As of 2022, men in Australia are living longer, with an average life expectancy of 81.3 years. However, many men face significant health issues. Approximately 16% of the male population is aged 65 or older, which totals around 2 million individuals. Yet, there are troubling statistics surrounding men’s health:
Physical Activity: Only 27% of men meet recommended physical activity levels.
Weight Concerns: Three in four men are classified as overweight or obese.
Chronic Conditions: Nearly half of all men (49%) have at least one chronic condition, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. The most common chronic conditions include arthritis, asthma, back problems, diabetes, and mental health issues.
Cancer and Men
One of the most alarming aspects of men's health is the rising incidence of cancer. In 2022, it was estimated that about 89,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed among men, representing 55% of all cases in the country. The risk of being diagnosed with cancer is significant: 1 in 3 men will develop cancer by age 75, and 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed by age 85.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, followed by melanoma, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
Men under 40 are most commonly diagnosed with testicular cancer and melanoma, while prostate cancer becomes more common after age 40.
Mental Health: A Growing Concern
Mental health is a major issue for Australian men. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW) in 2022, 43% of men aged 16–85 will experience a mental disorder at some point in their life. The report reveals that anxiety-related disorders and substance use disorders affect 22% of men. Additionally:
Loneliness: About 30% of men report feeling lonely.
Depression and Anxiety: 1 in 8 men will experience depression, and 1 in 5 will deal with anxiety.
Men are also at a higher risk for suicide, with men being 3 times more likely than women to die by suicide. For ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), mental health-related hospital admissions are higher than those of the general male population.
The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups
Preventative care is a cornerstone of improving men’s health. The National Men’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 encourages men to engage in healthier lifestyles and seek regular medical care. Fortunately, there are accessible screening opportunities available:
Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) health checks: Over 218 million services were claimed by Australian men.
Bowel cancer screenings: Available every 2 years starting at age 50, though participation rates among men are lower compared to women.
While 79% of men have visited a GP in the last 12 months, 21% of men report waiting longer than acceptable to get an appointment, and 2.7% delayed seeing a doctor due to cost. Conversations about health, such as weight management, are often underrepresented in these visits, with only 12% of men discussing weight issues with their GP.
Supporting Men's Health Through Community and Education
The government and various organisations are working to address these issues through education, resources, and support programs. Initiatives such as Men’s Sheds (community-based organisations) and the Ten to Men study (focused on male health) play key roles in raising awareness and providing crucial services. Programs funded under the National Men’s Health Strategy aim to tackle areas like mental health, chronic conditions, and healthy aging.
Key Actions for Improving Men’s Health
Encouraging Regular Health Checks: Men should be encouraged to regularly see their GP for comprehensive health screenings, including checks for cardiovascular health, metabolic disorders, mental health, and respiratory conditions.
Raising Awareness of Mental Health: With mental health challenges affecting such a large proportion of men, public education campaigns and support networks like Men’s Line Australia and Men’s Sheds can help break down stigmas and encourage help-seeking behavior.
Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Weight: Given that so many men are overweight or obese, promoting regular exercise, healthy diets, and weight management strategies is essential for improving overall well-being.
Improving Access to Health Services: Addressing the barriers to healthcare, such as cost and wait times, can help men take better care of their health.
Conclusion
While Australia’s men are living longer, the journey toward healthier lives remains a work in progress. Chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and preventable diseases are all pressing issues, but with the right education, resources, and healthcare initiatives, we can work toward reducing these disparities and fostering a healthier, happier male population. The National Men’s Health Strategy is a step in the right direction, and by engaging men in their own health journeys, we can ensure that future generations of men live long, fulfilling lives.