November is the month for raising awareness of men’s health issues. It’s known as Movember, and it’s famous for campaigns that include growing a moustache to raise funds for research into men’s health conditions.

This Movember 2022, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at what Movember is all about and how you can join in to raise awareness of these important issues.

What is Movember all about?

Movember is the name of a leading charity originating in Australia that campaigns globally for awareness of men’s health issues.

The name also refers to its annual campaign in November to bring these issues to the fore.

Which health issues are highlighted?

Movember highlights some important issues affecting men’s health. Let’s take a look at some of these.

Mental health and suicide prevention

Movember recognises that mental health and suicide are real risks for men, in part because guys can find it difficult to reach out and ask for help.

If you’re worried about someone’s mental health, Movember has put together a tool — ALEC — to help you make the first move and start a conversation:

  • Ask — Simply asking how the guy in your life is doing can be the conversation opener they need. Remember that many of us reply, “I’m fine” when we’re not, so don’t be afraid to ask, “How are you really doing?”
  • Listen — Just by listening, you will be supporting a guy who is going through a difficult time. You don’t have to offer expert advice or solutions — just acknowledge what they’re going through.
  • Encourage action — You can suggest some simple actions that could improve how he feels. These could be exercising and eating properly, confiding in his partner or going to see a doctor if he’s been feeling blue for more than two weeks.
  • Check in — Offer to catch up again soon. This will reassure him that you care and that someone is looking out for him.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in Australia. It occurs when some of the cells in the prostate — a gland underneath the bladder that produces semen — reproduce rapidly to form a tumour.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  • The urge to urinate frequently, especially at night
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Weak urine flow
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Difficulty getting an erection
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Blood in the semen or urine
  • Stiffness or pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, consult a doctor.

Men should also speak to their doctor about getting a blood test called a PSA test that detects prostate cancer when they reach the age of 50, or at 45 if they have a family history of prostate cancer or are of African or Caribbean heritage.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males aged 15 to 35. That’s why it’s so important for guys to know how to check themselves.

Guys should check their testicles once a month and look for:

  • A hard lump on the front or side of the testicle
  • Any enlargement or swelling of the testicle
  • Increased firmness of the testicle
  • Pain or soreness in the testicle or scrotum (the sac holding the testicles)
  • An obvious difference between the testicles

If you find any of these signs, get yourself checked out by a doctor.

What events are taking place in Movember 2022?

There are lots of ways you can join in this Movember:

  • Grow a moustache and raise funds for men’s health projects at the same time — simply grow your moustache in the month of November, set up a personal fundraising page and ask family, friends and colleagues to donate to this worthy cause.
  • Move for Movember — run or walk 60 km over November to represent the 60 men lost to suicide each hour and every hour globally, and raise funds too.
  • Host a Mo-ment — this is all about gathering your nearest and dearest together for a fun shared activity and raising funds as you go.
  • Mo your own way — set yourself a challenge and raise funds through sponsorship.

How else can I support men’s health issues?

One of the most direct ways you can help men’s health issues is to support a man in your life who is going through them or may be affected by them in the future.

You can do this by:

  • Offering a listening ear
  • Accompanying them to healthcare appointments
  • Supporting them to live a healthier life — for example, by being their exercise buddy
  • Encouraging them to have preventative checks — for example, getting a PSA test
  • Gifting a medical alert wristband. Medic alert bracelets give details of the wearer’s medical condition so they can be treated appropriately in an emergency. They may also include contact information and may be pre-printed or write-on. This means they can give your loved one the confidence to live their life to the full without having to worry about what happens if they can’t communicate their health needs.

Every action counts

You’ll find lots more information about men’s health and awareness campaigns on the Movember website.

This month is a great opportunity to talk about and take action for men’s health, so make sure you do your bit — however large or small, it all counts!

For a small but significant step, check out our medical wristband collection and choose one to gift to that deserving man in your life.