It is estimated 50 men a day die from preventable causes.

Last Movember's Real Face of Men’s Heath Report shows 60 per cent of men wait more than seven days with symptoms before visiting a doctor.

Another 63 per cent feel that gendered expectations like the idea of ‘toughing it out’, have affected them seeing a doctor.

This week, 9 June to 15 June, is International Men's Health Week and men are being urged to stop making excuses to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing.

President of the Rural Doctor's Association of Australia Dr RT Lewandowski says men living in rural and remote areas are among the worst offenders.

“Far too many times, men come to our practices or hospitals after sitting on a significant health issue for way too long, with many never having come in for a preventive health check either," said Dr Lewandowski.

"We know rural men are busy, and for those living on remote farms or in towns without doctors it can be a day’s project to get to an appointment with your GP – but it is so important that you make the time to do that.

“Please don’t use the excuse of ‘no time’ to put off seeing your doctor for what could be a life-saving consultation – whether that is for something urgent, or importantly a regular check-up that finds a health issue developing before it becomes a bigger problem."

RDAA President Dr RT Lewandowski. Image: supplied.

In Western NSW, men are stepping up and taking care of their mental health through the establishment of Men's Tables, a program where a group of men arrange to meet up once a month, share a meal and talk about their lives.

Since it began in February 2025, the Coonamble Men's Table has had five regular attendees.

Founder of the Coonamble Men's Table Al Stratton says the group gives much needed connection to men within the community.

"There's not a lot of opportunities for men to socially connect in the town.

"So it's really a place where men can go and talk to each other about all the sorts of things that are happening in their life, both good and bad."

Alisdair Stratton from Men's Table. Image: supplied.

Sadly, men in Australia are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness.

Men's Tables give men the opportunity to connect socially, and take care of their emotional and mental wellbeing.

One participant from the Coonamble Men's Table said it was an important resource.

"It's non-judgmental, and everybody gets a turn to talk about what's going on in their life."

"Generally women get together and say 'Look, I'm having these issues,' but men don't as much. It's not seen to be manly to be talking about issues you're having. So it's changing that paradigm."

"It's always been men are tough and strong and nothing affects them, and that couldn't be further from the truth."

One regular participant at the Coonamble Men's Table is now planning to set-up his own program in his town of Coonabarabran.

There are already 15 men's tables in Western NSW including in Cobar, Forbes, Cowra, Orange, and Dubbo.