It’s that time of year again when you may start noticing some marvellous moustaches developing, all in aid of Movember. The charity set up to raise awareness of some of the major health issues affecting men and working hard to reduce the premature death of men by 25% by 2030.
Some of the biggest health issues faced by men include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. So, to show our support for Movember and for all the men in our lives; young and old, we have dedicated this month’s post to men’s health.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
In the UK 115 people die by suicide each week, 75% of these are men. Across the world 60 men are lost to suicide every hour.
Charities such as Movember and CALM aim to reduce these startling figures by promoting better mental health awareness and education, improving men’s social connections and reducing the stigma attached to men’s mental wellbeing.
It may seem to be a gender stereotype but women share their feelings and men keep theirs to themselves. 84% of men admit to bottling up their emotions.
Encouraging men to share how they are feeling will help improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of suicide. By encouraging men and boys to have meaningful conversations, we can help to normalise the behaviour. Movember Conversations gives practical guidance on how to approach conversations with male colleagues, friends and family members if you think they are having trouble coping.
Prostate Cancer
In the UK I in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Raising awareness of prostate cancer to increase early detection of the disease is vital. The earlier it can be diagnosed the better outcomes are. The prostate gland is only found in men; it is located in the pelvis and surrounds the uretha.
Men over 50 are most at risk of developing prostate cancer, and for reasons still unknown black men are more at risk and at a younger age. If you have a family history (a father or brother) whom has been diagnosed with prostate cancer you will be 2.5 times more likely to get it.
There are some symptoms to look out for but for many men they will have no symptoms, which is why it is important to know if you are more at risk. A PSA blood test is normally used to determine if prostate cancer is present. For some the cancer will be slow growing and can be managed conservatively through regular check-ups, for others surgery or radiotherapy may be required.
Offsetting a sedentary profession
Many jobs can be sedentary, and we often discuss the issues surrounding this. If you have a desk job, there are lots of solutions available to build more movement into your day; for example, a chair with a free float mechanism so you can move whilst seated, a sit-stand desk so you can alter your posture at regular intervals and introducing hourly movement breaks into your day. Unfortunately, if instead of sitting behind a desk you are sat in a heavy goods vehicle the solutions above will not apply to you. Taking breaks is easier if you are stopping regularly to complete deliveries or pick up new passengers but it is not so easy for HGV drivers who do not have natural breaks in their schedule; but it is important to take breaks when you can and to use this time to get out of the cab, go for a walk and have a stretch. According to DfT statistics, around 300 people are killed each year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. This highlights the huge importance of taking breaks and being aware of your own body and when you feel fatigued, take a break.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most prevalent cancer in males aged 15 to 35 years, and yet worryingly 62% of those who are most at risk do not check themselves.
The good news is testicular cancer is 95% curable, which is why it is important men are encouraged to check themselves every month and get an early diagnosis.
Charities such as Oddballs provide a handy guide on how to check yourself, as well as delivering talks to
schools, universities and workplaces, reminding boys and men to check themselves and trying to remove any embarrassment surrounding the subject. Movember have created a community to provide support to anyone diagnosed with Testicular cancer and a platform from which to access the information you may need.
In Summary
On average men die five years earlier than women, and in the main this is
preventable. Movember have suggested 5 things to know and to do:
- Spend time with people who make you feel good. It is important for our well-being to stay connected.
- Talk, More. Encourage your male friends to talk to you, you do not need to be an expert, just be there to listen.
- Prostate cancer – Know the numbers. Know your risk. At the age of 50 start having the conversation with your doctor. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a family history of the disease then this should be aged
- Know thy nuts. Simple. Get into a routine of checking yourself every month and if something does not feel right go to your doctor.
- Move more. Add more activity to your day. It keeps you healthier and makes you feel better too.