Movember & the Importance of Men's Health

This year, the team at New Era Wellness will be growing mustaches to help raise funds and awareness about men’s health issues through the Movember campaign. Movember, the annual campaign that encourages men to grow mustaches is in the month of November has become a global phenomenon. Beyond the quirky facial hair, its mission is deeply rooted in addressing serious men’s health issues. The campaign strives to raise awareness and funds to tackle three major concerns: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. In this blog post, we’ll dive into these issues, highlighting their importance and the impact of the Movember movement.

Prostate Cancer:

It is important to understand what the prostate is before going into depth about how it is affected by cancer. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits below the bladder and just in front of the rectum. Its function is to produce seminal fluid or semen that helps to carry sperm through the urethra during ejaculation. As men age, they can begin to have difficulties with their prostate. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is a condition in which the prostate grows larger and can cause urinary symptoms that can mimic prostate cancer; however, BPH is not cancerous. Another condition affecting the prostate is prostatitis. This is where the prostate gland can become inflamed and cause symptoms that are also similar to prostate cancer. Prostatitis is often caused by an infection or inflammation and can be managed by your doctor.

It is important to understand that prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting men, with over 1.4 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. It primarily affects older men, with the risk increasing with age. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates. While survival rate for prostate cancer is relatively high, it is still the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Canadian men. This is why early detection is very important, to ensure that appropriate treatment can be done. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing is a common method for screening and monitoring prostate cancer. While elevated PSA levels can be an indicator of prostate cancer it is not a definitive diagnostic tool so it is important to monitor for the following symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating – trouble with fully emptying your bladder and pain or burning during urination

• Erectile dysfunction

• Aches and pains in the hips/pelvis

• Bloody urine and/or semen

Prostate cancer is a slow growing disease and therefore there can be a delay between the disease onset and symptom presentation. That is why it is important to understand the risk factors of prostate cancer and discuss prostate health with your doctor. Risk factors include age over 50, having African ancestry and having a family history of prostate cancer.

Movember has been a driving force in promoting prostate cancer awareness and funding research. Canada is at the forefront of prostate cancer research, with numerous institutions and organizations dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of this disease. The Canadian Cancer Society is actively involved in research and support for individuals affected by prostate cancer.

Testicular Cancer:

Testicular cancer occurs when the cells that make up the testicles grow out of control. There are different types of testicular cancer, with the most common form (90%) originating in the cells that make sperm. While testicular cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, it still affects thousands of men each year. Globally, 109,00 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and 836,000 men currently living with or who have beaten testicular cancer. Unfortunately, approximately 10,00 men die from testicular cancer each year.

The good news is, testicular cancer is highly curable if caught early. It starts with knowing the risk factors. These include:

• Undescended testicles at birth

• Being related to someone who has had testicular cancer

• Having a previous history of testicular cancer

• Race and ethnicity – risk is higher for those with North American and European backgrounds compared to those with African and Asian backgrounds

The best thing you can do for yourself in the fight against testicular cancer is to know your body well, especially your testicles. Below is a video created by Movember that goes over information about your testicles, testicular cancer and instruction on how to perform a self-examination.

Movember empowers men to take charge of their health by education them about the importance of self-exams and regular check-ups. Their initiatives emphasize early detection as a lifesaver, a message that resonates with men worldwide.

Mental Health

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly among men. Men, like women, can experience a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders. These issues can affect men of all ages and backgrounds. It is important to note the connection between mental and physical health of men. A man’s mental health is closely related to their physical well-being with lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and sleep having significant impact on mental health.

When it comes to seeking care, there is a stigma around men’s mental health and there can be barriers to seeking help. Men often face societal expectations that discourage them from seeking help for mental health issues. Stigma and traditional ideas of masculinity can prevent men from discussing their emotional struggles or seeking professional help. While accessing mental health care is limited by men, suicide rates are alarmingly high and men are more likely to die by suicide than women. According to Statistics Canada., the suicide rate for men is approximately three times higher than that of women.

New Era Wellness hopes to provide awareness and resources for those struggling with mental health. We encourage everyone to communicate with those you trust when it comes to discussing your mental health. We encourage you to seek support from mental healthcare professionals. As chiropractors we understand the connection between physical and mental health and will always encourage regular physical activity and maintenance of a balance lifestyle.

If you need to chat about your mental and/or physical health, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email, on social media or in person at our clinic. And if that is not comfortable for you, we encourage you to use any one of the following resources:

National Resources:

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Local Resources:

Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566

Hear 24/7: mental health crisis support offered by KW Counselling by phone at 1-844-437-3247 or online

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

LGBT Youthline: 1-800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275

Movember’s Impact:

Movember has made a significant impact in raising awareness about these men’s health issues. The funds raised during the campaign are directed toward research, support programs, and initiatives that address these concerns head-on. The movement has also played a vital role in breaking down the stereotypes that have long surrounded men’s health, encouraging mend to prioritize their well-being.

By supporting Movember, you can contribute to these important causes. Whether you grow a mustache, participate in fundraising events, or simply share their message, you play a part in improving the lives of men worldwide.

To learn more about Movember and how you can get involved, visit their official website at https://ca.movember.com/?home

If you would like to donate to our New Era Wellness Chiropractic Movember Team, please use the following QR code or visit our clinic to make a donation in person. Anything and everything is appreciated!

Dr. Jared Borosch, BSc., DC