Movember Is Not Just For November

Movember is not just for November

The Movember Foundation is dedicated to raising money and awareness to stop men from dying too young. Over the past 13 years, Movember Foundation has managed to fund more than 12,000 men’s health projects worldwide. Their current aim is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030!

It’s important to remember that Movember isn’t recognised only in November. There are 12 months in the year, so why would we only want to dedicate 8% of the year to men’s health?

It is said that, on average, men dye approximately 6 years younger than women. There are a variety of health issues that can lead to men dying prematurely. Testicular cancer, prostate cancer and the very important issue of mental health.

So let’s get talking about prostate cancer and testicular cancer!

Over 2000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year and more than 46,000 are diagnosed with prostate cancer – so it’s important to check yourself regularly.

Testicular cancer is a rarer form of cancer and is over 96% curable IF detected early, so it is important to check your balls regularly.

Whether your face is as smooth as a baby’s bum or you have a full-on Santa beard, you are sure to have heard of the

Movember Foundation

before.

It is important to check your testicles once a month because you will become familiar with how they feel and will be able notice any changes that may occur. If you do feel anything odd, don’t worry because there are lots of reasons for changes, so don’t feel embarrassed but make sure you go to your GP because it’s always best to be safe!

With prostate cancer, it is a little more difficult to detect, as it develops more slowly. It mostly affects men who are over 50 – but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop it sooner so be sure to get advice from your doctor if you think anything is wrong. You can’t do a self-examination on your prostate, as it is located between the penis and the bladder.

However, as you get older it is important to look out for these symptoms:

· The need to urinate more often

· Feeling as though the bladder isn’t fully empty

· Straining while urinating

If you get any of the following symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, it could just be a benign prostate problem. But you should go to your doctor to make sure that everything is okay.

So if you’ve got rid of your November Mo already, just make sure you remember to keep an eye on your physical and mental health. And if you notice someone struggling, offer them some help – it could be life changing! Let’s keep talking whatever the month is.

How to

check your balls

ONE

Start by having a bath or a shower. The warmth will help to relax the skin around your testicles which will make it easier to have a feel – plus you won’t have to deal with sweaty balls.

TWO

Next (focusing on one testicle at a time) place your index and middle finger under your testicles and your thumb on top.

THREE

Spend about 30 seconds rolling your thumb around the testicle with a firm amount of pressure. You are looking for anything that is different to the norm. Such as: swelling, lumps or hard areas.

WATCH OUT...

Look out for the epididymis! This is a tube at the back of the testicles which holds you sperm, it is nothing to worry about, so don’t be alarmed if you come across it.