Movember. What is it and why is it important to our ‘For Men To Talk’ founder?
Movember is an annual event that takes place during the month of November, where men around the world grow moustaches to raise awareness about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges. The term ‘Movember’ is a portmanteau of ‘moustache’ and ‘November’.
Participants, known as “Mo Bros,” start the month with a clean-shaven face and then grow and groom their moustaches throughout November. The goal is not only to generate conversations about men’s health but also to raise funds for related charities and research initiatives.
Movember aims to address and reduce the stigma surrounding men’s health issues, encouraging men to take preventive measures, discuss health concerns openly, and seek help when needed. The movement has gained widespread popularity and has become a global phenomenon with millions of participants and supporters.
Our founder, Luke Newman, has participated in the awareness for many years. His Father, Steve, had testicular cancer at the age of 33 and Luke was just 4.
“Normally, I look ridiculous for a month, but this year it’s different. 2023 has seen me attempt to grow a beard for the very first time so I’m already a bit hairy in November”, Luke said. “But I am still an advocate of improving mens mental health and raising awareness of mens cancers. Over 35 years ago, my Dad found a lump and had successful treatment for his testicular cancer.”
Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.
The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea or slightly larger. Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored.
Luke said: “It was on a Christmas Eve, I must of been 19 and having a bath, when I found a small lump. The natural first reaction is panic, but I know I had to get it checked out. I know, even though still rare, that I am four times more likely to develop it than someone with no family history of the condition, because of Dad’s previous diagnosis.”
“I immediately made an appointment with my general practitioner (GP), who then organised for me to visit the radiography department at my local hospital. Three weeks later, the radiographer examined my lump and cancer was ruled out. The procedure was completely pain free, however the lubricating gel that was placed on my scrotum was a bit cold though!”
Other symptoms of testicular cancer includes an increase in the firmness of a testicle, a difference in appearance between one testicle and the other, a dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go and a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.
The best time to check yourself is after a warm shower or bath as your skin is most relaxed and should be checked at least once a month for lumps or swellings. Men get checking!
Click here for the full checklist whilst checking your testicles.
You can also read the article when Luke took a PSA test to detect Prostate Cancer via https://bit.ly/FMTTB60 and to download a PDF file of the symptoms poster of prostate cancer, click here.
For more information on Movember, please visit https://uk.movember.com/