Blog: What’s Movember about? Not just about growing a moustache!

If you see men with long moustaches this mouth, it may not necessarily mean that they can’t be bothered to shave! Its most likely that some of them are taking part in Movember! A campaign that takes place every November to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. The idea is to get people talking and educate those around us! Growing a moustache is part of the campaign and one of the ways the organisation encourages fundraising. 

The campaign is run by Movember the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. By 2030, Movember aim to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. We know that most men don’t talk about their health needs or how they are feeling, this needs to change. 

How can help reduce suicide rates? What can we do?

According to Samaritans men are three times as likely to die by suicide.  Suicide prevention is a collection of efforts to reduce the risk of suicide. Some people may find it difficult to tell people how they feel but it’s important to talk to someone. This may be a family member, friends or one of the organisations below:

Calm- 0800 58 58 58 or visit their website on- www.thecalmzone.net.  This is an organisation for men who are committing suicide.

Samaritans- 116 123 or visit their website on- www.samaritans.org.  This is an organisation whereby Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone.

Educate yourself about testicular cancer and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer

Most people don’t even realise they have prostate cancer before it’s too late. Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in men. The signs of prostate cancer are:

• Burning or pain during urination.
• Difficulty urinating, or trouble starting and stopping while urinating
• More frequent urges to urinate at night.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Decreased flow or velocity of urine stream.
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is rare. In the UK around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. That's about 1 out of every 100 cancers (1%) diagnosed in men.

You should see your doctor if you have:

• an unusual lump or swelling in part of one testicle
• a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum
• a heavy scrotum
• an increase in the firmness or feel
• an unusual difference between one testicle and the other

You should not feel embarrassed if you notice one of the symptoms, make sure you see your GP. 

There are a number of organisations you can contact and ask for advice and support. 

Macmillan Support Line
Whether you’re worried about money or practical issues, have questions about treatment, or just want someone to listen, call the support team of specialist advisers free on 0808 808 0000.

Cancer research offers a service where you can ask nurses a question
If you or someone close to you have been affected by cancer and you’ve got questions, call Freephone 0808 800 4040

Points to come back upon

1. Recognise the month of Movember and support men around you who have been or going through mental health issues.
2. Make sure you educate yourself so you know what and how you can help.
3. Remember mental health can effect anyone!
4. Most importantly talk about how you are feeling. This could be with a friend or family remember but it doesn’t have to be, if you feel more comfortable talking to a stranger call one of the organisations mentioned above!