Cost of medical care a deterrent for men, reports leading prostate cancer organisation
The cost of living is driving men to delay visits to the GP and obtain vital medication, according to a survey of over 1300 men undertaken by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
The PCFA 2025 Health Report shows that:
- 51% of men have delayed or avoided seeing a healthcare professional due to cost concerns.
- 1 in 10 have reduced or skipped prescribed medication dosages to make it last longer
- 57% say healthcare is expensive or very expensive
- The cost of private health insurance continues to act as a barrier to access for many
- 92% believe the government should do more to reduce healthcare costs
“When men put off seeing a GP or stretch their medications just to get by, we increase the risks of delayed diagnosis of a range of serious illnesses and disease, including prostate cancer," said PCFA CEO, Anna Savage.
“Access to affordable, timely healthcare is not a luxury — it’s a life-saving necessity.”
Men with prostate cancer face potentially more medical costs with scans, medication and private consultations.
Nearly two-thirds of men surveyed said stigma around men’s health persisted. We need to normalise men seeking help, remove the financial barriers, and support early detection,” Ms Savage said.
PCFA’s national fund-raiser Walk for Him ran throughout Men’s Health Week (9-15 June 2025). Donate here