Men’s health is a topic often overlooked by many, even though many men have less than perfect health. It seems to go against the proverbial code when a man seeks help, but one organization is seeking to erase the stigma on men’s health and the awareness it receives, one mustache at a time. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide that challenge what we know about men’s health, helping take a different approach to men’s health research and the way that healthcare is offered to men.

Movember is the world’s only charity solely focused on men’s health. This group raises funds to create and deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that make it possible for men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives. While the foundation hosts awareness and fundraising campaigns year-round, the bulk of the group’s work comes in November, or “Movember” rather, with a fun, lighthearted approach to fundraising and encouraging men to pay attention to their health and take action towards creating a world where it’s okay to seek the help many men desperately need.

During Movember, men are tasked with growing a mustache, however good or, in many cases, bad it may look. Men and women are encouraged to be more physically active and host fundraising events for the charity. These commitments not only raise the vital funds the foundation depends on, but they also create powerful and often life-changing conversations that shed light on the seriousness of men’s health.

The three main areas of focus for Movember are mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. According to the Movember website, globally, on average one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. Right here in the US, the rate of male suicide is alarmingly high, with men accounting for 3 out of 4 suicides. The group looks at the topic of mental health through the male lens, and focuses on prevention, early intervention, and health promotion.

1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime In the US, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer to affect men, and currently, across the country, there are more than 3 million men living with or recovered from the illness. Movember has spent years studying and assisting prostate cancer research, and by doing so, they’ve pushed the progress of research forward 50 years. They’ve done this by thinking differently than other researchers, working together with doctors and healthcare providers around the world, and putting money into what works. Movember’s goal is that by the year 2030, the number of men dying from prostate cancer would be cut in half, as well as the number of men facing serious ongoing side effects from treatment.

The third focus of Movember’s efforts is on testicular cancer. According to their website, testicular cancer is the most common cancer seen in men under the age of 40. The survival rate for men with testicular cancer is great, upwards of 95%, although, for some men, long-term treatment-related side effects can cause a drastic decrease in their quality of life. Movember is focusing on getting these predominantly young men back to living full and healthy lives.

 If you or someone you know may be affected by one of the issues discussed above, contact UCA to schedule a consultation and get back on the road to a healthier you. You can learn more about Men’s Health issues by visiting UrologyCentersAlabama.com.