By Pauline Mei-Ling Williams (Director, Atrium HR Consulting)

What is the Meaning of Movember?

Movember is a portmanteau of the words “moustache” and “November.” It is an annual event that takes place in November, where men around the world grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

The aim of Movember is to encourage conversations about men’s health, promote early detection and treatment of these health issues and support research and programs in this field.

What are the 5 best ways to support Movember and promote awareness of men’s health issues?

Here are five ways to support Movember and promote awareness of men’s health issues:

1. Grow a moustache: Participate in the Movember movement by growing a moustache throughout November. It’s a visible way to show your support and spark conversations about men’s health. Encourage others to join you and share your progress on social media to raise awareness.

2. Start a fundraising campaign: Create a fundraising page on the official Movember website or through other platforms to collect donations from friends, family and colleagues. Set a fundraising goal and share your page on social media to spread the word and encourage others to contribute.

3. Educate yourself and others: Learn about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges. Share this knowledge with others through conversations and social media posts, or by organizing educational events or workshops.

4. Promote regular health check-ups: Encourage men to prioritize their health by reminding them to schedule regular check-ups with their doctors. Share information about the importance of early detection and prevention of men’s health issues.

5. Organize or participate in fundraising events: Host or take part in events that raise funds and awareness for men’s health. This could include charity runs, sports’ tournaments, or even moustache-themed parties. Collaborate with local businesses or organizations to maximize the impact of these events.

Remember, the goal is to raise awareness and support for men’s health issues, so any effort, big or small, can make a difference.

Can women participate in Movember month?

Absolutely! While Movember primarily focuses on raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues, women can also participate in the movement. Women can support Movember by encouraging the men in their lives to grow moustaches, participating in fundraising efforts, spreading awareness about men’s health issues and promoting regular health check-ups for their male friends and family members. Additionally, women can organize or participate in fundraising events and contribute to the overall conversation about men’s health. Movember is inclusive and welcomes everyone who wants to make a difference to men’s health.

What are the common conditions men worry about?

There are several common conditions that men may worry about in terms of their health. Some of these include:

1. Prostate cancer: This is one of the most common cancers in men. It typically affects the prostate gland, which is responsible for producing semen.

2. Testicular cancer: This type of cancer affects the testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. It is mostly diagnosed in younger men.

3. Mental health issues: Men may experience mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and stress. However, men often face unique societal pressures that can make it difficult for them to seek help or talk openly about their mental health.

4. Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions are significant concerns for men. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity can contribute to these issues.

5. Erectile dysfunction: This condition refers to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. It can have various causes, including physical and psychological factors.

6. Diabetes: Men are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

It’s important to note that these conditions can affect individuals differently, and it is always advisable to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis, prevention and treatment options. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers can help address these concerns effectively.                  

Where to find useful information, data and statistics surrounding men’s health issues

 Here are some useful data and statistics related to men’s health issues:

1. Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that there were around 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer and about 34,130 deaths from the disease in the United States in 2021.

2. Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer is relatively rare, but it is the most common cancer in young men aged 15 to 35. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 9,470 new cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2021, with about 440 deaths.

3. Mental health: Men often face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men have a higher rate of completed suicides compared to women. In the United States, men die by suicide at a rate which is about 3.5 times higher than women.

4. Cardiovascular disease: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for men worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, approximately 17.9 million deaths were attributed to cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 31% of all global deaths. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

5. Diabetes: Men are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2019, an estimated 231 million men worldwide were living with diabetes and this number is expected to rise to 313 million by 2045.

These statistics highlight the importance of raising awareness, promoting early detection and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to address men’s health issues effectively.