No rubber glove, just a little needle

Put away the rubber glove, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says blokes don't need it to get a prostrate cancer check - unless they really want to.

Instead, a simple blood test is now enough to determine if men have the life-threatening disease.

"You don't have to go for the rubber glove - well, you can if you really like - but it's important to get the blood test," Mr Morrison told a prostate cancer awareness BBQ at Parliament House on Wednesday.

He's been getting checked ever since his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004.

"If you're sitting next to someone at the finals this weekend, whether they're AFL, whether they're NRL ... turn to each other and say 'have you had your test'," the prime minister said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said men need to imitate the women in their lives and actually talk to each other about health issues.

"It is easy for people who are busy to put off dealing with their own health issues," he said.

"If you don't want to look after your health for yourself, look after your health for the people who love you."

Labor MP Jason Clare said men might not like going to the doctor, but it could save their life.

"It doesn't involve a finger up the bum, it's just a simple blood test," Mr Clare said.