A moustache? There’s more important bits to worry about this Movember
Movember is all about male health, so here's how to check the goods and keep in touch with your health
THE Men’s Foundation, which grows and grooms the annual Movember campaign in South Africa, wants you to get a hairy upper lip, while educating yourself about men’s health – and specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, male mental health, and suicide prevention.
‘Guys facing prostate cancer and testicular cancer face an uphill battle,’ says Garron Gsell of the Men’s Foundation.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, and a recent survey of 1000 men by blade manufacturer Gilette revealed that only 44% of men aged 18-40 have ever checked themselves for testicular cancer.
‘The research also found that nearly half don’t know what symptoms to watch out for when it comes to prostate cancer,’ said Gsell, who was dismayed at the fact that of those surveyed, 19% couldn’t identify a single warning sign of prostate cancer – one of the leading cancers for men.’There is a long way to go before men are fully engaged with key issues relating to their health. This means funding research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention,’ he said.
The Men’s Foundation aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% in 2030.
‘Across the world, men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable.
‘Men are also at a higher risk of suicide, with 14 men dying from suicide every day in South Africa alone.’
‘But the reality is that government funding primarily focuses on women, children and the elderly, leaving a lot to be desired for South African men from disadvantaged communities, who are left to rely on the private and NGO sector for help.’
Movember Rules
No matter the shape or style of your Mo this Movember, your face can inspire donations, conversations and real change.
There are only a few rules in Movember, but they’re vital:
• Start clean-shaven on Movember 1st.
• No beards, no goatees. We’re all about the moustache.
• Set your sights on a Mo style. Are you confident you can outdo Hulk Hogan himself?
• To raise funds, you might have to get creative! Dye your Mo, auction it off to the highest donor: the more eyes on your Mo, the better.
• Get moving. Literally. Commit to walking or running 60km over the month. That’s 60km’s for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour.
Sign me up!
Sign up to raise funds and awareness at www.movember.com. All past Mo Bro’s and Mo Sistas need to re-register.
Download the Movember app on your mobile device.
Follow Movember on social media: @MovemberRSA on Twitter or facebook/MovemberSouthAfrica.
The five early warning signs of prostate cancer
1 Difficulty and/or pain during urination
2 Inability to urinate while standing up
3 Blood in the urine
4 Leakage or dribbling of urine
5 Erectile dysfunction
How do conduct a quick and simple testicular exam at home
Urologist Philip Pierorazio says men should set aside five minutes while you’re in the shower. A warm shower will relax the scrotum and the muscles holding the testicles, making an exam easier.
Starting with one side, gently roll the scrotum with your fingers to feel the surface of the testicle.
Check for any lumps, bumps or unusual features.
Contrary to what many assume, cancerous tumors typically aren’t painful.
Make note of any changes in size over time.
While the most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless mass, some men experience swelling of the testicles and scrotum.
Be aware of any dull soreness or heaviness.
Switch sides and check the other testicle.
Credit sources: hopkinsmedicine.org / mensfoundation.co.za / cansa.org.za
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