Men’s Health Issues Focus of Movember Campaign

Thousands of men will be sporting facial hair this month to raise awareness for male health issues including prostate and testicular cancer as well as poor mental health and inactivity.   Canadians are among the top fundraisers worldwide, last year collecting $33.9 million to fund efforts that will help men open up about health issues and seek medical help.

The Movember Foundation of Canada encourages men to start the month clean shaven and then grow (and groom) a mustache for 30 days to raise money and awareness for men’s health.  Friendly competition between friends, coworkers or family can make things more interesting.  To sign up and learn more visit: https://ca.movember.com/ .

Prostate cancer affects 24,000 men each year and kills about 4,100, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.   It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and more than 1.1 million cases were recorded in 2012.  Most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 65 and age is the strongest risk factor for the disease.

In most diagnosed cases of testicular cancer, (over 95 per cent) treatment provides a good outcome.  The Movember Foundation supports global initiatives to educate men and boys about testicular cancer and provide support for their families.

Breaking down stereotypes about masculinity and developing models to improve the mental health of men is also one of the goals of the foundation.  Worldwide, a man dies every minute from suicide.  The Movember Campaign encourages men to talk more openly with friends and family about health issues and seek help without fear of stigma.

A sedentary lifestyle is a the fourth leading risk factor for death globally.  Physical inactivity causes 3.2 million deaths each year worldwide.  Funds raised in November will help launch campaigns to encourage activity which benefits both mental and physical health.  The MOVE challenge, for men and women,  focuses on 30 minutes of activity each day in the month of November.   For more information about MOVE visit: https://us.movember.com/get-involved/move .