Not everyone can grow a moustache, but we all can play in a role in helping to improve men’s health.
The Movember campaign is in full swing again and although the increased number of moustaches might make some people chuckle, it’s all for an important and serious cause: raising funds and awareness for men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. In Canada, 21,600 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 1,110 will be diagnosed with testicular cancer this year.
The campaign has done a good job of drawing attention to the dangers of two types of cancer that people are not always eager to talk about. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men, but it’s one of the most treatable if detected early.
Though the original focus was prostate cancer, Movember has expanded its focus to other areas of men’s health. This year’s campaign as also includes a ‘move’ component – encouraging people to be active while raising funds for the cause. The campaign is not just for men, as ‘Mo Sistas’ have been some of the biggest fundraisers.
The 2016 campaign has a new motto: “Stop Men Dying Too Young.” The tone this year is a bit more serious than other years as the Movember Foundation affirms that men’s health is in crisis. “Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. Three quarters of suicides are men,” states the foundation’s website.
Though the campaign will finish up in less than two weeks, there is still time to contribute to the cause. Besides individuals participating in the campaign, in St. Albert there is a competition between two St. Albert Catholic High School teachers that has raised almost $2,000 so far. The competition is between Evan Holstein and Troy Bontus.
“We both have kids and we’re just thinking that if there’s a way to help prevent our kids and future generations from having to deal with these health issues then why not?” said Bontus.
The city of St. Albert will also show its support for the campaign by raising a Movember flag from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1.
Other than monetary donations, you can help the cause by reminding the men in your life about the dangers of prostate and testicular cancers and encouraging them to get checked out by a doctor if something isn’t normal, or they are over the age of 40. Awareness is crucial to saving lives when it comes to prostate and testicular cancers – both are more treatable with early detection.
The Movember campaign is a lot more than an excuse to grow a ’stache. Last year, Canadians raised $17.5 million for men’s health initiatives and to date, the foundation has raised almost $800 million worldwide.
To those taking on the challenge to grow a moustache and raise funds, while promoting awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, we salute you. Every little bit helps, whether it’s through money or awareness, we can all help change the face of men’s health.
