Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Testicular Checks Every Bloke Should Know This Movember

Most blokes will happily grow a dodgy moustache for charity. Far fewer will book a chat with a GP. This Movember, let's fix that. Prostate cancer symptoms, testicular checks and men's mental health are all on the agenda this month, and the simplest step is a conversation with a GP who has heard it all before.

What is Movember about?

Movember started in Australia and runs every year from 1 to 30 November. Blokes grow a mo, get moving or host an event, and the attention goes to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. International Men's Day falls on Thursday 19 November. You can sign up or donate at the official Movember site.

The moustache is the conversation starter. The real goal is getting men talking to each other, and to a doctor.

Prostate cancer symptoms: why waiting for signs isn't the plan

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australian men, and it becomes more common with age. A lot of men assume they'd notice if something was wrong. But prostate health often doesn't announce itself, and changes like getting up more at night are easy to put down to "just getting older".

You don't need to work out what any of it means yourself. If something has changed, or you simply have questions about your age or family history, it may be worth chatting to a GP. That's their job, and it's usually a much easier conversation than blokes expect.

Testicular checks: know your normal

Testicular cancer mostly affects younger men, from the late teens to around 40. The idea behind a regular check is simple: get to know what's normal for you, so you notice if something changes. Plenty of blokes find the shower is the easiest time to make it a habit.

If anything feels different from usual, don't sit on it or Google yourself into a spiral. Have a chat with a GP.

Men's mental health: the conversation to have

Movember is as much about mental health as it is about cancer. A shorter fuse, broken sleep, a few more beers than usual, or pulling away from mates can all be signs that things aren't quite right. You don't need the perfect words. "I'm not travelling great" is enough to start, with a mate or with a GP.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.

Why a regular GP matters (and why the second visit counts)

Around three in five men have put off seeing a GP, and many say they'd switch practitioners if they don't feel a real connection. The message is simple. One visit is a start. Going back, so the conversation can continue, is where it counts. Find a GP you can talk to and keep the relationship going.

Want more? Read prostate health basics every bloke should know.

Book a men's health check this Movember

A men's health check is simply a conversation about where you're at: your work, sleep, stress, family history and anything that's been on your mind. Much of that conversation works well over telehealth, and if anything needs an in-person visit, the GP will let you know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of prostate cancer? Prostate cancer often doesn't cause obvious signs early on, which is why waiting for symptoms isn't a great plan. If you've noticed any changes, or you have questions about your age or family history, it may be worth chatting to a GP.

How often should I check my testicles? Many men make it a regular habit, such as in the shower, so they get to know what's normal for them. If anything feels different from usual, have a chat with a GP rather than waiting.

What is Movember? Movember is an annual event from 1 to 30 November that started in Australia. Men grow a moustache, get active or host events to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Can I have a men's health check by telehealth? Yes. A lot of a men's health conversation works well over phone or video, where clinically appropriate and eligible. If anything needs an in-person visit, the GP will let you know.

CTA Anyone can book. Medicare bulk billed if eligible. This Movember, book a standard telehealth appointment for a men's health check through bulkbill.doctor, where clinically appropriate and eligible. Then book the second one before you hang up.