What’s Movember All About?
Noticing a lot more moustachioed gentlemen than usual each November? Men who are usually clean-shaven are now seen rocking a ‘stache, though Movember is much more than a moustache growing competition.
While most people associate Movember with prostate cancer research, the movement is much broader, addressing men’s health issues that also include testicular cancer, and mental health support including depression and suicide prevention.
An estimated 27,900 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the end of the year, with about 5,000 Canadian men dying from the disease. The good news is that the death rate for prostate cancer has been cut in half since the early 1990s, due to increased awareness, early detection, advanced research and treatment.
Testicular cancer is also highly treatable and curable if caught early, with a 98% success rate.
And men especially may be struggling from mental health challenges without recognizing it. They often report chronic tiredness, a reduction in appetite, and irritability, which may be signs of depression and can be treated.
Our bodies are amazing at hiding disease. Understanding that early detection is critical to positive outcomes, now is the time to be proactive about your health and wellness. Taking a preventative approach to your health can help you understand your unique risk factors and assist in detecting disease early, before you experience any symptoms.
At WELL Health Medical & Longevity Centres we believe in the importance of proactively managing your health to live happier, healthier, and longer.
Our Proactive Health Assessment is an excellent place to start as an annual physical assessment that goes beyond your regular doctor appointment, offering a complete blood profile, ultrasound, cardiac stress test, and more, including a mental health screening. Following your Proactive Health Assessment, you’ll a full report, including health and lifestyle interventions to help improve your wellness.
For a more comprehensive assessment including a Total Body Scan, consider the WELL Longevity+ Precision Imaging Assessment, or our WELL Longevity+ Precision 3.0 Assessment.
As many diseases may be traced to genetics, several of our programs also offer genetic testing to help screen for any predispositions you may have. You can compare each of our proactive health programs here, and contact us for more information on which option may be best for you.
Learn more valuable information about men’s health issues below:
DID YOU KNOW?
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Prostate cancer is most common in men aged 45 and over.
It is more common in Black men and those with African ancestry, possibly due to a variety of genetic and biological factors.
Men are at higher risk if their father, brother or uncle had prostate cancer. The risk increases further if their mother or sister had breast or ovarian cancer.
There are often no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, but as the disease
advances, trouble urinating or painful ejaculation are signs to take seriously.
Regular testing from age 50 onward is key to catching this cancer early.
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Testicular cancer is most common in younger men 15 to 35 years of age.
Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in Black or Asian men.
An estimated 1,300 Canadian men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024, with an estimated 30 dying from the disease.
Genes play a role. Having a father or sibling who had testicular cancer poses a higher risk of developing it yourself.
Regular self examination can help! Examine your testicles monthly, watching for any unusual lumps or swelling.
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Men are far less inclined to seek help for their mental health than women.
Men die by suicide at a rate 3x higher than women.
Seeking support for your mental health? HeadsUpGuys is a program of The University of British Columbia (UBC), operating under the leadership of Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the Psychotherapy Program at UBC.
It’s not too late to support the Movember movement! Click here to donate.