November Is Movember: Raising Awareness About Men's Health

18 November 2024

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November is a time when mustaches take center stage, but it's not just about style – it's about striking up conversations and raising awareness for men's health. Movember, a global movement, is dedicated to bringing attention to pressing men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges. In this blog, we speak to George Hudson, D.O., Ph.D., a primary care physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Northwest in Enid, to learn more.

“The world needs hard working men that put family, friends, community and country before themselves,” Hudson says. “But it’s extremely important to take a moment to make sure your health is in good order to keep you doing the things that need to be done. It’s important to talk to your doctor in a no-holds-barred fashion to detect and test for issues early.”

What is Movember?

At a glance: Movember is an annual event where supporters grow mustaches during November to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

The concept behind Movember began in 2003 in Australia when two friends wanted to bring back the mustache as a fashion statement and decided to also help raise awareness for men's health issues.

They started with 30 men who committed to growing their mustaches for the month of November, calling themselves the "Mo Bros."
By 2004, the initiative grew into the Movember Foundation, which focused specifically on prostate cancer and depression in men.
The act of growing a mustache sparked conversations and drew attention to these issues.

Since then, it has turned into a global movement with millions of participants.

The foundation has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide.

Prostate health

Key points: Prostate issues predominantly affect men over the age of 50, with the risk increasing significantly with age. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men – one in eight men will be diagnosed during their life.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men.

It is primarily responsible for producing seminal fluid, a key component of semen that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.

As men age, they’re at a higher risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.

BPH involves the enlargement of the prostate gland that leads to urinary problems such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream and frequent urination at night.
Prostate cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of cells within the prostate gland that lead to the formation of tumors.
The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which develops in the gland cells of the prostate responsible for producing seminal fluid.
Many forms of prostate cancer grow slowly and don’t affect men for years.
However, it’s still the second-leading cause of cancer death behind only lung cancer.

Early detection is made possible by screenings such as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scan.

PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland.
In the context of prostate cancer screening, the PSA test measures the level of this antigen in a man's blood to assess prostate health.
Elevated PSA levels above 4.0 ng/mL can be an indicator of prostate issues, either a benign condition or cancer.
An mpMRI is an imaging technique to screen, diagnose and stage prostate cancer.

Common warning signs of prostate issues include difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination especially at night and pain or burning sensations during urination.

These symptoms could indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or, in more severe cases, prostate cancer.
However, not all prostate issues present with symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.

Discuss prostate health with your doctor starting at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of African descent, as these factors can increase risk.

Testicular health

What to know: Testicular cancer is most prevalent among those aged 15 to 35. Despite being one of the less common cancers, awareness and vigilance are crucial because it is most treatable when diagnosed and treated in its early stages.

The testicles are two small, egg-shaped organs located within the scrotum, a sac that hangs outside the male body.

These organs are components of the male reproductive system.
Primarily, the testicles produce sperm, the male reproductive cells essential for fertility.
The testicles also produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

Younger people are most at risk of testicular cancer, as it’s most prevalent between the ages of 15 and 35.

Family history, undescended testicles before birth, race and certain genetic conditions are the most common risk factors for testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is less common than prostate cancer, as about one in 250 men will develop it during their life.

Common warning signs of testicular issues include lumps or swelling in the testicles, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin and sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.

Don’t ignore these symptoms, as they could indicate testicular cancer or other health issues.

Screening for testicular cancer involves regular self exams.

To perform a self exam, place the index and middle fingers underneath the testicle with your thumb on top.
Roll it gently between your fingers, feeling for any lumps, bumps or changes in size or texture.
Pay attention to any unusual lumps or firmness, which can be a sign of concern.
Perform the exams monthly so you’re more likely to notice changes.
Any abnormality found can be further examined by making an appointment with your primary care provider.

Mental health and suicide prevention

Why it matters: Mental health and suicide prevention are critical issues for men. Men often experience unique challenges related to mental health, with societal pressures and stigma sometimes discouraging them from seeking help. Statistics reveal that men have higher suicide rates compared to women.

About one in eight men experience mental health issues at some point in their life.

Depression and anxiety are the two more common types of mental health disorders in men.
In the U.S., about 6.2 percent of men experience major depression, while 14.3 percent experience anxiety.

Men are disproportionately affected by suicide, with rates four times higher than women in the U.S.

Middle-aged men are at a heightened risk, often due to a combination of mental health issues, substance abuse and socio-economic factors.

Common warning signs of mental health struggles include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns and a noticeable decline in performance at work or school.

When left untreated, these feelings may increase the risk of suicidal ideations.

Despite the prominence, men are often less likely to seek help due to societal stigma and traditional gender roles that discourage vulnerability.

Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help.
This stigma contributes to underreporting and a lack of support networks for men struggling with mental health problems.

Increasing awareness about mental health issues and suicide is crucial for encouraging open discussions.

Men should be encouraged to reach out for professional help.
Support from friends and family can significantly impact outcomes.
Reaching out for help is a sign of self-awareness, and early intervention can lead to effective management and recovery.

Read more: Read more to discover tips on recognizing the symptoms of someone who is considering suicide.

Next steps: If you or a loved one are experiencing issues with health and well-being, contact a primary care provider to schedule an appointment. Together, we can tackle critical issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health in men.