Movember: Changing the Face of Mens Health
Each November, the charity Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. Movember encourages men to grow a moustache to provoke discussion of male health issues and raise funding for research and support for patients with prostate and testicular cancer.
BY Mr Robert Jones, BMedSci, Bm BS, DM, FRCS (Urol) consultant urologist at Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Each November, the charity Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. Movember encourages men to grow a moustache to provoke discussion of male health issues and raise funding for research and support for patients with prostate and testicular cancer.
Movember also aims to increase awareness of these conditions and to encourage men to get themselves ‘checked out’ if they suspect they might be at risk:
- Prostate Cancer: The commonest cancer in men, each year over 40,000 men in the UK are diagnosed and 10,000 die of the disease. Men with early prostate cancer may have noticed urinary symptoms (e.g. difficulty passing urine or getting up at night to pee) or have no symptoms at all but a raised PSA blood test. PSA testing is a way of identifying the disease at an early and treatable stage but there are pros and cons to getting it done; men need support in making informed decisions.
- Testicular Cancer: The commonest cancer in younger men but can occur at any age. It typically presents as a painless lump on the testicle. Men should examine themselves regularly (e.g. in the shower) and report any new or suspicious lumps. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer leads to excellent cure rates.
Traditionally men have been reluctant to come forward when they spot something wrong or suspect they might have a prostate or testicular problem, and have often delayed discussing things with their GP, or even their partner. But these attitudes are changing and, aided by campaigns such as Movember, men are getting better at talking about and acting upon their health concerns.
Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital has three Consultant Urologists: Mr N Burns Cox, Mr M Speakman and Mr R Jones – if you would like information or advice book your consultation today by calling 01823-478224 or e-mail us today.