by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
Next month is Movember where during the month of November men across the world can grow a moustache to raise money and awareness of men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. It is an annual charity event run and promoted by the Movember charity. Money raised by Movember has already funded more than 1,250 projects worldwide and its work is far from over with men on average dying 5 years younger than women from mainly preventable causes.
Mental Health
Suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 50, and shockingly about 75% of UK deaths from suicide are men. Studies show that men are less likely than women to discuss mental health issues with friends or health professionals and a man expressing his feelings or needing emotional support can unfortunately still be seen as “weak. 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 men in the UK. Sadly 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.
Besides growing a Mo, there are other ways Mo Bros and Mo Sisters can support Movember
- Move for Movember
For this you can run, walk or even stroll 60km during November with 60 representing the number of men we lose to suicide every hour across the world.
- Host a Mo-Ment
Get some friends together and host a fundraising Movember themed event. It can be in person or virtual, but mainly it should be fun and easy, so let your imagination run wild and get planning!!
- Mo your own way
You choose what you would like to do to raise money Movember puts a spotlight on men’s health issues while also raising much needed funds for initiatives all over the world. 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.