In Men's Health Week 2025, 9–15 June, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging men who don't have one to establish a relationship with a specialist GP to support their long-term health with preventive care, screening, and mental health.
Around 78% of male patients saw a GP last year, compared to 87% of female patients.
Male patients aged 25–34 see their GP an average of just 1.9 times a year, while women in that age group see their GP an average of 3.5 times a year.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said developing a trusted relationship with a specialist GP early helps men stay healthy throughout their lives.
"There is no substitute for the care you receive from a GP who knows you and your history," he said.
"A GP can screen for issues before they become serious, support your mental health, and work with you on preventive health approaches that will make chronic conditions less likely to become a burden in later life.
"Seeing the same GP regularly leads to a longer, healthier life because they can work with you to tackle those risk factors.
"Younger men are less likely to see a GP, but at the same time, they're more likely to have high-risk behaviours that might make them more likely to need the advice of a health professional.
"We know that men are more likely to smoke and drink at higher than recommended levels than women. But at the same time, Australian men of all ages see their GP less frequently. That's one of the things we're trying to raise awareness about during this campaign.
"Your GP can help you to navigate chronic health issues you do experience, including mental health challenges that may increase the likelihood you take long-term risks with your health."
Psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, is associated with higher-risk behaviour such as tobacco and vape use, illicit drug use, and drinking at risky levels.
While 18% of all Australian men have had a mental health disorder in the last 12 months, among men aged 18–24, this rises to nearly one in three, 31%.
Yet male patients are around half as likely as female patients to see a health professional like a GP for their mental health – 12.8% compared to 21.1%.
Dr Wright said the increased prevalence of mental health issues is concerning, and emphasised the important role GPs play in men's mental health care.
"While we've gotten better at talking about mental health, some men still associate seeking mental health care with weakness, a loss of control, not in line with the stoicism we expect of ourselves or think others expect from us," he said.
"But too often, we don't acknowledge – or don't notice – mental health issues until they're having serious effects on our wellbeing.
"That's why it's so important to have a GP who knows you and can check in on your mental health as well as your physical health. Around four in 10 of our consults include a mental health element.
"Having a trusting relationship with a GP you know, and where your GP knows you, is the best way to stay physically and mentally healthy at every stage of your life.
"Our health system must support everyone to have affordable access to care from a GP who knows them and their history."
