Here Comes Movember (8pg)

Even though this issue of HealthPoint is primarily dedicated to women’s health, let’s not forget the men, especially with November almost here. Or as some people call it—Movember.

Movember is an annual event that asks men to grow a mustache during the month of November to help raise awareness about men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer, and to support related charities. The event, which started in Australia in 1999 when a group of men were featured on a local television station, is now a worldwide event.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. One out of every seven men will be diagnosed with the disease. In fact, a man is 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer! Fortunately, prostate cancer is one of the most easily detected and easily cured forms of cancer. Most men should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer starting at age 50. African Americans and any man with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65 should talk to their physician starting at age 45.

So if you see some new facial hair under a man’s nose this November, let it be a reminder to you about the importance of men’s health. Who knows? A mustache could save your life.

Source: American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation