It’s almost unbelievable that the month of November and the annual event of ‘Movember’ is fast approaching. From two friends in Australia to a worldwide phenomenon, this fantastic event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Whilst attitudes are changing in the way in which we are prepared to talk about our health issues men are dying on average 6 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
Unchecked, prostate cancer rates will continue to rise. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15-39 years of age. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides.
No one idea can bring about total change, however, if we accept that it is okay to talk, whether that be for mental or physical wellbeing then change can happen. It’s also important to acknowledge changes in our own health and to push for answers. Take my father as an example, he repeatedly saw his GP for around 12 months and was told that there was nothing wrong with him, however after finally agreeing to send him for a referral he was very quickly diagnosed with prostate cancer and started on a course of radiotherapy. Had my father ignored his own warning signs or simply just accepted what he had been told it may have been too late – as such we all have a part to play in our own health.
Given the year that we have all experienced in the last 6 to 7 months, raising this awareness is ever more relevant – particularly as it may have resulted in delays or cancellations in getting a checkup. And for someone whose father, grandfather and uncle have all suffered from a form of cancer that globally effects around 9.9million men I for one salute the work that they are doing.
For more information on how to participate go to: https://uk.movember.com/get-involved/moustaches