Come November, and #Movember begins to swarm across your Facebook and Twitter with photos and funny images telling you to grow that moustache or beard.
Facial hair is in, and the winter is as good a time as any to enjoy one.
What is Movember?
When a bunch of Australians got 30 men to grow a 30 moustache for 30 days, it was a big deal. These men went on to form the Movember Foundation.
A moustache was rare among young men in 2004 and caught the eye
But it was more than just vanity – they used the buzz created to talk about a bigger men’s issue – prostate cancer. While breast cancer enjoys global support, prostate cancer occurs at identical rates – but it is only recently, with campaigns like Movember that it enjoys increased attention.
It is still cool to have a beard – but a standalone moustache is rare. However, during Movember, the second glance a well groomed, stylish and thick ‘mo’ earns isn’t a moment of vanity. It is a moment to educate men about being more proactive about their health.
There’s more to a moustache than raising eyebrows at college or work
A beard is for many men a conscious choice. You know what else is a conscious choice? Testing for prostate and testicular cancer, and taking action when you experience repeated episodes of depression. All 3 are some of biggest killers of men, and this month millions of Movember supporters stand together to show that every man matters.
If your moustache turns women’s heads, tell them about how Movember is relevant for the men in their lives, their fathers, brothers, relatives and friends.
Who runs Movember?
The Movember Foundation was recognised as one of the world’s top 100 NGOs in 2012
Along with cancer detection, the Movember Foundation aims to encourage men look into their family history of cancer, and opt for healthier lifestyles. The Movember Foundation runs events across the world for fundraising and support.
Prostate cancer – the numbers
Prostate cancer is just as common in men as breast cancer is in women. It is the second biggest cause of cancer death in men. Globally, over 1.1 million cases of prostate cancer were recorded in 2012. (World Cancer Research Fund International)
Famous people who have prostate cancer
- Ben Stiller, American actor, comedian, and filmmaker: diagnosed in 2014
- Sir Ian McKellen, actor and theatre personality, diagnosed in 2006
- Roger Moore, actor and humanitarian: diagnosed in 1993.
- Nelson Mandela: Former president of South Africa, Nobel Laureate and anti-apartheid activist, diagnosed in 2001
- Robert De Niro,actor and producer: diagnosed in 2003
- John Kerry: United States Secretary of State since 2013, diagnosed in 2003
- Colin Powell: Retired Secretary of State (USA)
How to prevent prostate cancer
There’s only one way to prevent prostate cancer – changing your lifestyle
- Choose a diet low in fat, high in fruits and vegetables. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to a reduced prostate cancer risk. Vegetarians can get omega-3s from flaxseed.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight with regular exercise
- Avoid smoking – it is responsible for most forms of cancer.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. Red wine, rich in antioxidant resveratrol may inhibit prostate cancer growth.
- Avoid ‘ over-supplementation’ with ‘mega vitamin’ pills.
- If prostate cancer, or other cancers run in your family, talk to your doctor about risk reduction medication.
Sources
http://www.wcrf.org/int/cancer-facts-figures/data-specific-cancers/prostate-cancer-statistics
http://lifeinsuranceprostatecancer.com/famous-men-prostate-cancer/
https://www.pcf.org/c/prevention/
https://uk.movember.com/about/foundation
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