Movember 101: How You Can Work to Change the Face of Men’s Health

Ready to tackle some of the biggest problems in men’s health? 

Movember raises awareness where it matters of suicide, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer.

Often referred to as the “silent epidemic” with chilling statistics, mental illness in men is a serious health issue that needs attention. 

With suicide rates four times higher in men than women, it’s impossible to ignore the problem. But, given the stigma that surrounds mental health, it often makes it harder for men to ask for the help they need. 

Of course, prostate cancer and testicular cancer only add more fuel to the fire. Ailments such as these may seem overwhelming. But, this is not something that people can’t overcome.  

On November 1, millions of men around the globe will grow mustaches to show their support. The goal is relatively simple: work to change the face of men’s health. 

Here is how the global charity initiative can change the tide, paired with some of the latest statistics on these highly prevalent health issues.

What Is Movember?

The term Movember is a mix of two words – mustache and November. The concept began as a fun experiment of a couple of Australians eager to make a change. But, it eventually gained proper recognition, becoming a charitable organization with actual initiatives. 

Focused on supporting health in men, this charity raises funds to support programs, novel research, and awareness for enabling men to live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives. 

This annual campaign is so popular because it’s globally recognized for its disruptive and entertaining approach to raising funds. 

Participants host events, not only to gain funding. But to provide inspiring, life-changing, and engaging conversations. Of course, Movember is not just for men. Women also take part in the movement. Men grow mustaches and, together with female participants, are physically active. 

Referred to as Mo Sisters, women are often encouraged to skip shaving their legs. The mission is to save as many lives as possible, especially when it comes to the biggest health issues that are affecting the male population. Mainly prostate cancer, poor mental health, colon cancer, and more. 

How to Join the Movember Movement?

While Movember supports a couple of causes, No Shave November is solely engaged in gaining funding for cancer research, like breast cancer education, awareness, and cancer prevention. 

For every dollar raised, the Movember Foundation is spending 85.9 cents on health projects for men. They distribute their funds across various segments; all tailored towards their target audience. 

To turn the tide on health in men, you can partner up with Movember, donate, or get involved by growing facial hair. Also, walk or run 60km the whole month. For better results, people are encouraged to gather a couple of like-minded individuals and host a Mo-ment. 

If you are looking to offer financial support, then you can donate directly to the Movember foundation. To partner up with the charity, contact them at businessmos@movember.com. Their team can let you know all the ins and outs surrounding the movement. 

While growing a mustache is left to the guys, women too can show their support. They can encourage men to make better lifestyle choices, be proactive, and better manage their physical and mental wellness. 

They too can host a Mo-ment and talk about recent prostate cancer rates and male suicide. Women can also show their Movember support by donating, being physically active, and coming up with their own challenge with Mo Your Own Way. 

Below you can take a closer look at men’s health issues. 

The Importance of Cancer Screenings for Prostate and Testicular Cancer

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Other than skin cancer, prostate carcinoma is the most prevalent ailment in American men. 1 in 41 men are expected to lose their life due to this type of cancer. 

Testicular cancer is equally worrying. Roughly 8,000 to 10,000 men develop testis cancer annually. The odds of developing this type of cancer are 1 in 270. Luckily, both cancers have an excellent cure rate.

Cancer screening is here to spot the ailment before it spreads through the system. It makes treatment more effective and easier to manage in cancer patients. The sooner the cancer is detected, the better the survival rate. 

A screening test detects probable health complications in individuals who don’t show symptoms of cancer. The idea is to spot the ailment and use surveillance or lifestyle changes to decrease the risk of the disease or boost treatment efficiency. 

Cancer Screening Types You Should Know About

If the carcinoma is spotted early, they are highly treatable. That’s why some doctors suggest routine screenings as a key preventive health plan in men susceptible to the disease. 

Both a PSA test and a digital rectal exam are commonly used screening methods. 

• PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test: The test evaluates the PSA levels in the system. If any abnormalities are shown, then further testing may be necessary. Exceedingly high PSA is often a sign of cancer. But, the test isn’t always accurate. Roughly 3 in 4 patients with elevated PSA don’t have cancer. Plus, the test misses around 15% of cancers.

• DRE (digital rectal exam): A specialist inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to evaluate the gland for any abnormalities. Since the doctor can’t feel the entire gland, the DRE may not be completely accurate. But, it can still help when checking for cancer or gland health.  

How to Spot the Signs of Prostate Cancer

Almost 60% of all prostate carcinomas happen in men older than 65. The problem with this cancer is that in its early stages, it might not even cause any symptoms. But, as more time passes, it becomes easier to recognize. 

These symptoms include: 

• Finding it difficult to urinate

• Blocked or reduced urine flow

• Being unable to empty the bladder completely

• Frequently having to urinate, particularly in the middle of the night (nocturia)

• Feeling burning sensations or pain when peeing

• Blood in the semen/urine

• Pain in the pelvic floor, hips, or back that persists for a long time

• Pain when ejaculating 

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Factors that increase the risk of developing prostate canccer can affect the body in several ways. When you gain a better perspective of these threats, you can obtain key information on reducing the odds of cancer. 

• Diet – A Massachusetts survey showed that women were around 50% more likely to eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. Regularly eating well-done meats, calcium-rich foods, and saturated fats amplify the risk of advanced cancer, research shows. 

• Chemical exposure – Being exposed to chemicals can have a heavy impact on the gland. Based on recent prostate cancer research, high levels of pesticides, diesel engine emissions, or chemicals used in weapons can amplify the risk of cancer.

• Smoking – Active smokers are often associated with a 40% rise in carcinoma risk compared to non-smokers.

• Men who smoke for less than 40 years tend to have a relatively modest increase in risk. The biggest health issues occur in those who’ve smoked the longest and in abundance.

• Obesity and diabetes – Obese men have a higher risk of experiencing aggressive forms of this type of carcinoma. While fluctuations in glucose concentrations can lead to prostate gland enlargement. 

• Aging – The chances of developing cancer rapidly increase after the age of 50. Roughly 6 in 10 cancer cases are recorded in men over 65. 

• Genes – Cancer can run in the family. It could be a genetic or inherited factor. 

• Race – Those more prone to the condition are of Caribbean and African American descent. 

How to Spot the Signs of Testicular Cancer

The testicles should have a somewhat spongy feel to them and be a little firm to touch. The firmness is expected to spread evenly across each testicle. However, they may vary in size. 

They are responsible for producing sperm and male hormones like testosterone. When cancer develops in the testicle, it can cause some symptoms.

The signs of testicular cancer include:

• Lump in the testicle that isn’t painful

• Dull aches in the groin, scrotum, or testicle

• Changes or tenderness in the breast tissue of the man

• Testicle swelling (both accompanied or without pain)

• Weight in the scrotum

Plenty of men don’t inform their doctors when they experience any of these symptoms. Most men wait around 5 months to ask for help. However, carcinoma can spread during this period. That’s why it is vital to contact a urologist as soon as these signs emerge.

Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer

Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet can have a profound impact on overall health. So, it is best to give your body a good head-start by eating healthy and exercising regularly. 

Risk factors that make a man more likely to experience testicular tumor include:

• Excess body weight

• Undescended testicle

• HIV infection

• Race

• Old age

• Previous experience with testicular tumor

• Cancer in situ of the testicle

• Family history of the condition

The Importance of Mental Health

6 million American men are affected by depression every year. While 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health problem annually. 

Conditions that are predominantly found in female patients can also be a serious issue for men, like eating disorders, for example. Men account for roughly 10% of patients with bulimia or anorexia. And about 35% of them have a binge-eating disorder. 

Skipping treatment for mental conditions can lead to very risky behaviors, such as gambling, substance abuse, or any other form of addiction. Unattended emotional complications can cripple a man’s ability to function normally and enjoy everyday life. 

Poor mental health problems impact the way we act, feel and think. It also affects the way we handle stress, decisions, and other aspects of life. Basically, mental health is a key aspect in all stages of life, whether that is from childhood through old age. 

The Mental Health Stigma Men Face

The problem is that men don’t always show signs of hopelessness, sadness, or depression. They may instead appear aggressive or angry. This makes it difficult for experts or the family to find out what’s really happening behind the curtains. Therefore, men may miss out on some important treatment. 

The reason that happens is often because of the stigma around men’s mental health. The stigma is deeply embedded in cultural beliefs, self-perception, and societal norms. For instance, some men don’t like talking about the way they feel since they think it makes them appear weak. 

Others believe that talking about it may put their role as a provider in jeopardy. At a very young age, men are taught not to cry or show weakness. Paired with the stereotypes of masculinity, men can find it difficult to express themselves. 

How We Can Reduce The Stigma

Society is already making some changes in helping men overcome these challenges. To put aside the stigma, it’s important to encourage men to take proper care of their psychological health. 

Not because reaching for help is a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Using empowerment can be a stepping stone to improving peoples’ mental wellness. 

How to Support a Loved One With Poor Mental Health

It’s heart-wrenching to see someone you love struggle with mental illness. With mental wellness, it can be difficult to find the best way to help. Everyone is different in their own way. 

There are a few tips you can use that can set you on the right track. 

• Don’t wait for them to come to you. Make the first step. Many people make the first mistake by hoping that the other person will reach out for support. Instead, both are losing valuable time. What you should do is show that you understand everything they are going through and offer to help.

• Let them talk. Allow the other person to completely express themselves without distractions and judgment. Their depression could be the result of a physical problem, like erectile dysfunction. Or they may struggle with many mental health issues. 

• Offer opportunities for professional help. Ask for a referral or find a mental health expert in your local area that can deal with the type of crisis the person is feeling. 

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States. According to experts, more men die by suicide than women. However, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or a mental ailment. This is a problem, not just in the U.S., but in many other countries like Australia, Argentina, and Russia. 

One crucial element to prevention is communication. Women are often more willing to share their feelings, while men keep them all bottled-up. 

The moment you realize that problems in life have led to a decline in mental wellness, ask for help. It’s vital to contact a therapist or any expert in mental wellness. 

If you want to take action to help others, then you can join this nonprofit mustache movement. This leading charity is designed for a good cause. You can talk about largely preventable reasons and ways men can get help. 

Conclusion

Men too, need support in every way, shape, or form. The Movember mustache movement is here to make a change. 

Whether you plan to host events and talk about heart disease, lung cancer, or any other ailment, you too can make a valuable participant. 

Now that you know the most practical information on men’s health, you can set anyone on the right path. Any preventable death is worth talking about.