- Mental Health
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
The annual campaign is back, MOVEMBER is responsible for thousands of moustaches across the UK with the aim to raise vital funds and awareness for Men’s Health.
Movember is an annual event run by the Movember Foundation since 2003 encouraging the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise funds and awareness about different aspects of Men’s Health.
A registered charity, Movember has funded more than 1,250 projects worldwide, designed to transform how health services reach and support men.
The main aim is to stop so many men from dying before their time from suicide, prostate, or testicular cancer. Their goal is to encourage men to take some time to pause and consider their own health.
It is important to be proactive about your health and healthcare. By being aware of your health and body, it is easier to notice any changes which might occur; any concerns should be discussed with your doctor. For more information take a look at the Movember website here.
Many men delay or avoid doctor visits due to embarrassment or fear. However, talking to a healthcare professional can alleviate anxiety and provide necessary knowledge. Movember and other campaigns promote conversations about men’s health, encouraging men to overcome barriers to seeking care. Open dialogue with doctors helps address health issues early on. Creating a safe environment for discussing personal health is crucial. Men’s health initiatives raise awareness, dispel stigmas, and empower men to prioritize their health. They challenge outdated notions of masculinity and contribute to societal change. Men’s well-being depends on breaking the cycle of avoidance.
Self-checks
You can easily use self-examining techniques yourself to uncover early warning signs of men’s health issues, from heart disease to testicular cancer:
Heart Rate Check
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. One quick self-exam to gauge the health of your heart is to check your pulse when you’re at rest. Place the first two fingers of one hand on the area at the base of the wrist on your other hand. Count your pulse for 10 seconds and multiply by six. A normal pulse (heart rate) for a man should be between 60 and 100. Anything outside that range could be a sign of cardiovascular problems. You should also pay attention to the space between beats. An irregular pulse could be a sign of a heart related issue for which medical input would be important.
Blood Pressure Check
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as: heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
You should see your doctor for an official reading, but you may also want to keep tabs on your blood pressure at home between check-ups with an easy-to-use blood pressure monitor, which are relatively inexpensive to buy online or at any pharmacy. Blood pressure can change from day to day, so write down your readings and look at the average over about 10 readings. Let your doctor know if the higher (systolic) number is consistently above 120 or the lower (diastolic) number is consistently above 80.
Did you know you can check your blood pressure any time via your surgery POD machine, no appointment, no waiting?
You can find out more about this service via the link below.
Testicular Cancer Check
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. The earlier you find it; the better your prognosis is likely to be. A self-examination of the testicles is a good way to find this cancer at an early stage when it is very treatable. The best time to do a testicular self-exam is after a shower, when your scrotum is relaxed. Check your testicles for any lumps or changes in size, and let your doctor know if you find anything.
Find out how to self-check your testicles HERE
Skin Cancer Check
To do a self-check for skin cancer, look for moles that change in size, shape, thickness, or colour. Let your doctor know about any growths that bleed, itch, burn, or crust over. It is best to get naked and look everywhere! This includes your scalp and on the soles of your feet. Many skin cancers are found in sun-exposed areas where you often don’t think to put sunscreen such as your ears or difficult to reach places like your back.
If you do have concerns, ignoring the issues rarely helps – take prompt action and contact your doctor.
Important:Check Out Our Men's Health Section
Whilst Movember primarily focuses on three main areas of Men’s health (mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer), you may like to check out the men’s health area of our website below, which focuses on a variety of areas related to men’s health and wellbeing.
Mental illness can impact individuals of all genders, and while the experiences may differ, it is a misconception to assume that men are immune to these struggles. Societal expectations often portray men as tough, stoic, and emotionally reserved, which can create significant barriers to seeking help. Many men may feel immense pressure to manage their issues independently, leading them to believe that asking for support is a sign of weakness. This belief is rooted in toxic masculinity, which can have severe consequences for men's mental health.
Due to these pressures, men are often at a greater risk for various mental health challenges, including substance abuse, aggression, and suicidal tendencies. Research indicates that men may be more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with their depression, viewing these substances as a way to numb their emotions rather than address them openly. This reliance on substance use not only exacerbates their mental health issues but can also lead to a cycle of dependency that further isolates them from seeking help.
In addition to substance abuse, some men may exhibit escapist behaviours, such as overcommitting to work or adopting obsessive hobbies, to avoid confronting their emotional struggles. These behaviours often serve as distractions but do little to address the underlying issues, potentially intensifying feelings of hopelessness and despair.
While these challenges can paint a daunting picture of men's mental health, it is crucial to acknowledge that support and resources are available. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or struggling with mental health challenges, reaching out for help can be a vital step toward healing. There are various avenues for seeking support, including therapy, support groups, and helplines, all designed to provide assistance and guidance in navigating these difficult experiences.
To find out more about men’s mental health, how to help and how to access available support please visit the relevant section of our website below.
Prostate cancer is a malignancy that originates in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized gland situated just below the bladder in men. This type of cancer primarily affects men over the age of 50, and it is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in this demographic, making awareness and understanding of the disease essential.
In its initial stages, prostate cancer often does not manifest any noticeable symptoms, which can make early detection challenging. However, as the cancer progresses, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including increased difficulty in urination, a frequent need to urinate—particularly at night—pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, and discomfort or pain during ejaculation. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, emphasising the importance of timely medical evaluation. Treatment options for prostate cancer are tailored to the individual's particular case and depend on the cancer's stage, grade, and overall health of the patient.
Research has demonstrated that early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases survival rates. Methods for early detection include regular screening tests such as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exams (DRE).
While prostate cancer may not always be top of mind, proactive health management and awareness are vital. If you are over 50 and have concerns about prostate cancer or seek more information on available resources, we encourage you to visit the prostate cancer section of our website, provided below.
Your health is paramount, and staying informed can make all the difference in your journey towards wellness.
Testicular cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the testicles, the male reproductive glands responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone. This disease primarily affects younger men between the ages of 15 and 35 but can occur at any age.
Common symptoms include a noticeable lump or mass in one of the testicles, changes in size or shape, and swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. Other signs may include an ache in the lower abdomen or back, which can be indicators of more advanced disease.
If not promptly diagnosed and treated, testicular cancer can metastasize, spreading to lymph nodes and other organs, which may have severe consequences for health and survival. However, the prognosis for testicular cancer is generally very positive; it is regarded as one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer. When diagnosed early and managed appropriately, the survival rate exceeds 95%, highlighting the importance of regular self-examinations and awareness of any changes.
We recognize that the prospect of cancer can be overwhelming and distressing. Our commitment is to provide compassionate support and comprehensive resources to guide you through the challenges associated with this diagnosis. You are not alone in this journey; we are here to assist you every step of the way.
For more information about testicular cancer, treatment options, available resources and guides on how to self-check your testicles, please visit the relevant area of our website below.
Image Text: MOVEMBER – men’s health awareness month – let’s support men’s health by growing a Mustache and raising awareness about men’s health issues