IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP: MOVEMBER & MEN’S HEALTH
Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing a health crisis, yet it’s rarely talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent.
Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – we’re taking them all on. 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.
THE STATS
Men will die on average 4.5 years earlier than women
Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
A growing number of men – around 10.8M globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE
GLOBALLY, ON AVERAGE, 1 MAN DIES BY SUICIDE EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.
In Australia 3 out of 4 suicides are by men.
How are we going to win the fight?
1. Education
Helping men and boys to stay mentally healthy, build strong social connections and take action early when times are tough.
2. Conversations that matter
Working toward a world where men and boys are comfortable having conversations about the big things in life.
3. Services that work for men
We know the needs of men, and we’re working to make sure that services are designed with those needs in mind.
4. Bright minds, brought together
We’re funding the most innovative projects, and when we know something works, we share that knowledge globally.
5. Community first
Men need to be able to access support in their communities and where they’re comfortable. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
6. Advocating for all men
We’re forcing governments to understand the issues that men are facing, and we’re demanding action.
PROSTATE CANCER
It's the most common cancer in men over 45.
But there’s good news. There’s a lot that you can do. Just by knowing some important facts about risk – and knowing when to take action. Just remember: early detection is key. That means understanding your risk of prostate cancer. It means knowing when to start conversations with your doctor. And it means, when the time is right, taking action and not hesitating.
Age
If you have a prostate, then your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. However, that doesn't mean prostate cancer is limited to the older generation. So if you’re 50 or older, start talking to your doctor about your risk. Just be aware that the recommended age at which to have those conversations varies by country.
Race/Ancestry
Prostate cancer is more common in Black men and men with African ancestry. The reasons still aren’t fully understood, but it’s likely due to a bunch of different genetic and biological factors. So if you’re Black or have African ancestry, start talking to your doctor about prostate cancer when you’re 40. Again, the recommended age varies by country.
Family History
The genes from our parents and relatives play a part in prostate cancer risk. Your risk is higher if there’s a father, brother or uncle who had prostate cancer. It’s also higher if there’s a mother or sister who had breast or ovarian cancer. So if there’s a family history like this, start talking to your doctor about prostate cancer when you’re 40. Once more, the recommended age varies by country.
TESTICULAR CANCER
Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in younger guys.
Testicular cancer is a disease where cells in your body grow uncontrollably. As you’d have guessed from the name, testicular cancer is when those cancerous cells grow in your testicles. Testicular cancer, like many other forms of cancer, can spread in the body if left untreated. However, if detected early, it is usually treatable.
Common Testicular Cancer Symptoms
Swelling, pain or a hard lump in your testicle are the most common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer usually (but not always) starts in one testicle. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include a feeling of ‘heaviness’ in your scrotum, as well as an uncomfortable feeling, from a dull ache to recurring pain in your testicles, groin, or lower back (even if you don’t notice a lump).
Your testicles are like other parts of your body. They go through normal changes and they’ll sometimes feel a bit different. Don’t panic if something doesn’t feel right at first. However, if you notice a new lump, go see your doctor.
How do I do a testicular exam on my own?
First – know what’s normal with your testicles. The best way to do that is to give your testicles a feel every month or so – just to make sure there’s nothing unusual going on. A warm shower (heat will help your testicles relax) is the perfect place to do this in your own time. Just roll one of your testes between your thumb and forefinger, and check for pain or anything that feels out of the ordinary. Then do the same for the other. And that’s it. Job done.
ABOUT MOVEMBER
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health.
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.
Movember works closely with our global men's health partners to ensure collaboration, transparency and accountability for every project they fund. They monitor this through report cards which detail what we seek to achieve, key measures and the impact.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Grow a Mo: If there's one thing The Order of Mo is known for, it's this. Growing a Mo is our symbol for better men’s health. It also grabs attention and starts important conversations. So give it a go – it shows the world you stand for healthier men and a healthier world.
Move for mental health: Move is how The Order of Mo remembers the 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour. To take part, all you have to do is run or walk 60km. Cover the distance in one go or over the month.
Host a Mo-ment: The Order of Mo loves a gathering. So get your believers, supporters and followers around. Host an event that raises awareness and funds for men’s health. Make having a good time your goal and you won’t go wrong.
Mo Your Own Way: There are many ways to support The Order of Mo. That’s why we have Mo Your Own Way. Climb a mountain, break a personal best, quit a bad habit for a month or take on a dare for men’s health. Do it your way and you won’t go wrong.
Fundraise at your workplace: Forget regular team building activities. Movember has them beat. Doing Movember at work is a great way for you and your workplace to champion men's health. Not only is it loads of fun – it also brings people closer together, drives employee engagement and boosts job satisfaction.
To find out more: Movember.com
Movember: Nov24