by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
We are more than halfway through Movember, an annual charity event overseen by the Movember charity when during the month of November men everywhere can grow a moustache to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues, specifically Prostate cancer, Testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Many studies show that men not only go less frequently to the doctor but do not go to the doctor even when they have symptoms. Movember focuses attention on the importance of men looking after their health, a group who historically will only seek help as the last resort!
Mental Health
Suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 50, and shockingly there were 75 male suicide deaths per week during 2020, three times as many as for women. With men being less likely than women to seek help from friends or health professionals, a man expressing his feelings or needing emotional support can unfortunately still be seen as “weak”, and young boys learn early that it is “not manly to cry”.
Movember encourages men to give and get support. Their website provides tools on starting a conversation with someone you think may be struggling and let men know that sometimes they may feel worried and overwhelmed. At these times they should not hesitate to seek help.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the most common type of cancer in the UK in men: 1 in 8 UK men will get Prostate cancer in their lifetime. It can be difficult to detect early and most men with early Prostate cancer do not have any signs or symptoms. However there are factors which may make a man more likely to get Prostate cancer and Prostate Cancer UK recommend men speak to their GP especially if
- They are aged 50 or over
- Their father or brother has had Prostate cancer
- They are black
You can also check your risk with their 30-second checker .
There is also support for men with Prostate cancer: Prostate Cancer UK has Specialist Nurses who can be contacted via their helpline for support and information and a search tool to find a local support group in your area.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer tends to affect younger men and is the most diagnosed cancer in young men in the UK with the average age being 28. Young men are also more likely to be shy about going to the doctor or even checking their testicles. However if caught early, Testicular cancer is very treatable with a greater than 95% survival rate. Just as women should check their breasts once a month, men should check their testicles for lumps and swellings. This way they will get to know what is normal for them and if something hurts, changes or does not feel right, they should get it checked by their doctor.
Men with Testicular cancer can get help coping with their diagnosis through support groups like that run by Testicular Cancer UK, and the Movember charity runs a Nuts & Bolts website with information and support on what to expect. Both offer a platform for men to discuss their experiences.
The Movember annual event not only importantly raises money for men’s health programmes but also stresses the importance of men looking after themselves. It encourages men to discuss their mental health and spreads the message that it is okay to ask for help if you need it. It highlights cancers particular to men, and how they can check both their risk and their “nuts”. You can still show support by sponsoring someone you know who is proudly growing a Mo and of course you can donate directly on the Movember website.