Perhaps in recent years, you’ve heard of “Movember,” or maybe even “No Shave November.” What is this all about? Just as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, November is a month to bring awareness to prostate and testicular cancer in men, as well as suicide rates in men.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is self-explanatory, as it’s cancer of the testicles. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s actually rare cancer compared to other cancers. However, it’s still the most common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35.
A few of the symptoms include a lump in a testicle, a heavy feeling in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, and pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle. This cancer is highly treatable, even when it’s spread past the testicle, and there are several treatment options.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects the prostate, which is a walnut-shaped gland located just under the bladder in men. This gland produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. This is one of the most common cancers in men and is usually confined to the prostate gland.
Initially, there may not be any symptoms indicating that a man may have this type of cancer. But as it progresses and becomes more advanced, the symptoms include trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in semen, discomfort in the pelvic area, bone pain, and erectile dysfunction.
Unfortunate Suicide Rate In Men Across The United States
According to movember.com, globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. In the U.S., three out of four suicides are men.
What can be done to help these men? Here are a few ideas to let the men in your life know they’re important to you and that you care:
- Asking them if they’re okay or need anything,
- Listen to them,
- Encourage them to make healthy choices, including getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet and making a visit to their doctor if they need to, and
- Finally, check-in again with them and see how they’re doing.
Raising Awareness
So, what does growing facial hair have to do with any of these issues? Men grow their mustaches as a sign of solidarity and support projects that bring awareness to prostate and testicular cancer and suicide in men. But if they’re not able to grow a luscious mustache, or maybe they don’t want to, they can still support the cause and give back in other ways. This can be done by either running or walking 60 miles in a month for the 60 men lost every hour globally to suicide. They can host their own event to raise money or think of another creative idea to raise awareness.
How will you support the men in your life during Movember? Or, as a man, what will you do to support your fellow man? Whatever you choose to do, the bearded and mustached team with Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling is there for you and every man in your life.