We arrive in November, and with it comes the month of awareness of men's health. Pink October is the month that helps save many women every year, as it calls for breast revision and breast cancer prevention. In the case of Blue November, awareness lies mainly in the prevention of diseases such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer, in men's mental health and in the prevention of suicide.
In order to sensitize the world on this topic, there are some activities and challenges that are launched annually during this month, among them the “no shaving Movember” and the “moving Movember”. In the midst of the animation of these challenges comes responsibility, the annual reminder. As we know that it is actually possible to save many lives just by highlighting the theme, we didn't want to not participate in Movember in some way. The best way to help is to be a part of it. That simple! The best thing we can do to be healthy is to be active and talk about our adventures and goals. Why talk? Knowledge is power! Knowing the history of family illnesses, knowing what our friends do to stay healthy, reading and watching videos are all sources of information that, as simple as they seem, can save lives!
So let's summarize these diseases so that we have the power of information?
- Prostate Cancer: The prostate is a gland located below the bladder, in front of the bowel. It produces a fluid that protects and enriches sperm. Cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce much faster than normal. If left untreated, it is lethal. One of the most worrying aspects of the disease is the fact that it is mostly asymptomatic in its early stages. Thus, it is important that, from the age of 40, the physical examination of the prostate starts to be included in the check-up routine. The main risk factors are age and family history.
- Testicular Cancer: The testes are part of the reproductive system in men and are responsible for the production of sperm and male hormones (mainly testosterone). About 90% of testicular cancer cases occur in the germ cells, which are responsible for sperm production. Cases of secondary testicular tumors are caused by metastases, that is, by the proliferation of cancer cells from the testicles to other parts of the body. There is no way to prevent this type of cancer, but it is important to be aware of symptoms such as abnormal growth of part or all of the testicle (or both). The main risk factors are cryptorchidism (the testicle has not descended into the scrotum), a history of cancer of the other testis, a family history, hypospadias (congenital malformations in the urethra), decreased spermatogenesis (sperm production), and infertility.
- Mental Health: “Anyone of any age can be affected by poor mental health” - this is a phrase taken directly from the Movember Foundation website. Many men find it difficult to share feelings and, above all, problems, and end up keeping everything inside instead of seeking professional help. This brings problems, like anything that cannot be resolved. It's therefore important to be proactive and connect with others, whether friends or family, before it's too late. The main risk factors that should be taken into account are a personal history of mental or family health problems, the use of drugs or alcohol, serious health problems, isolation or loneliness, unemployment, the absence of a home, conflicts or other stressful situations, among others.
Now that you have the power of information, what are you going to do? Do you dare to join us in this Blue November movement?
Sara Moreira Ferreira
