Globally, men die on average five years earlier than women, from largely preventable causes. It doesn’t have to be this way. So, Movember is a campaign to raise awareness and even highlight men’s health and the biggest problems they face. You can participate in Movember by releasing your mustache and spreading awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and men’s mental health.

Prostate cancer is one of the major diseases that focus on prostate cancer, which is expected to double its incidence in the next fifteen years. Testicular cancer is considered the most common type of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 39. Finally, almost every minute of every day a man commits suicide and 75% of all suicides are men!

Top 5 things to do in Movember

1. Spend time with the people you love and make you feel good. Friends and companions are important, and spending time with them is good for you and your mental health.
2. Speak more. You don’t have to be an expert or provide solutions, but just being there for a friend through a crisis, listening to them, and offering your time can save his life!
3. Learn important numbers. For example, at age 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and what tests you should have if needed. But if you have a first-degree relative -a father or a brother- with prostate cancer, you should have this conversation at age 45.
4. Find out what is normal for your testicles. Give them a checkup regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t seem right.
5. Move over. Exercise and movement are important to a healthy life, so don’t forget to add more activity to your day. Do more of what make you feel good.

When should you visit the doctor?

If October is the pink month due to breast cancer awareness month. Then we may claim that November is the blue month because of Movember and the awareness of men’s health issues.

You should see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• An unusual lump or swelling in a part of one testicle
• Feeling a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum
• Heavy scrotum
• The presence of an unusual difference between one testicle and another

It is true that your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, but you should contact a doctor to be assured.

Be part of Movember by growing a mustache this November and sharing this article with your friends to raise awareness and protect them.