You may be noticing more men sporting moustaches around the City these days. It’s not just a fashionable thing – these guys could very well be supporting Movember, an international fundraising initiative where millions are raised each year for prostate cancer research.
Although the month is nearly half over, it’s not too late to help support the cause by pledging to a friend, co-worker or neighbour who is taking part directly, or by just donating to an organization like Prostate Cancer Canada for example.
Organizers point out that it’s also about raising awareness and bringing more attention in general to men’s health, testicular cancer and men’s mental health as well.
According to Prostate Cancer Canada, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. It’s also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men as well. In 2017, an estimated 21,300 men were diagnosed with 4,100 losing their lives to the disease.
Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. Your risk increases starting at age 50, and most cases are diagnosed in men over age 65. Prostate Cancer Canada recommends that men in their 40s get a PSA test to establish their baseline. If you think you are at increased risk, talk to your doctor before age 40.
Meanwhile, ‘Mo Bros’ effectively become walking, talking billboards for men’s health by raising funds and awareness along the way. Women (also known as Mo Sistas) play a key supporting role by signing up as team captains, recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds, and encouraging the men in their lives to take action when it comes to their health, according to Prostate Cancer Canada.
Meanwhile, for those struggling with the disease, there is a group of men here in Red Deer who are ready to offer support.
The Red Deer Prostate Cancer Support Group has been lending a supportive hand for some 20 years now.
The awareness and support group, which continues to meet every third Thursday of the month at Gaetz United Church, is an informal get-together, where men share stories about their experiences with prostate cancer. The meetings are open to anyone who is interested, and there is no expectation of commitment. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
The members of the group have a lot of information and even more personal stories to help men and their families gain insight into the different types of treatments and approaches.
Regarding Movember, the movement was launched back in 2003 by some men in Australia who wanted to bring back the moustache into fashion while raising money for prostate cancer research. There are now formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland.
