by Dr. S. Ward – MediQuality
BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 – #Movember takes its name from the combination of the word “moustache” and the month of November. Dr. Sam Ward, a urologist at the fertility center of the Sint-Janskliniek: “Every year in November, men are invited to shave their faces clean and grow a mustache to raise public awareness of men’s health issues and to raise funds for medical research.”
Origins of the Movement
The idea for #Movember originated in Australia in 2003 to raise public awareness of men’s health issues. Specifically, prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in Belgium. In 2019, there were 71,651 cases of cancer in Belgium, including 10,196 cases of prostate cancer, accounting for 14% of all cancer cases. The causes of prostate cancer are unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified: age, family history, and ethnic background. Prostate cancer is, in fact, more common among certain ethnic groups in Africa.
The screenings
Currently, in Belgium, only breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screenings are part of the existing screening programs. Prostate cancer screening is therefore not part of the systematic screening programs, but is being performed with increasing frequency. The screening consists of a clinical examination of the prostate via a digital rectal exam, combined with measuring the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. The value of such screening stems from the fact that prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic. Screening based solely on PSA levels is neither recommended nor cost-effective (efficient).
We therefore recommend that people aged 50 and older (or younger, if they have a family history or urinary symptoms) make an appointment with their primary care physician or a urologist.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is much less common than prostate cancer. Screening for it is much simpler, as it involves a self-examination of the scrotum. It is therefore strongly recommended that all men perform this examination regularly to detect any suspicious swelling or lump, starting at a young age, since testicular cancer primarily affects men between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, hardening, or enlargement of the testicle. There are also known risk factors, such as a history of cryptorchidism or the presence of a testicular tumor.
Mental Health and Suicide
This topic is the least well-known aspect of the #Movember movement, but it is just as important. In Belgium, the suicide rate among men is 2.6 times higher than among women. It is therefore essential to be able to talk about this and recognize the warning signs that precede a suicide. The Movember movement introduces the ALEC system: Ask, Listen, Encourage action, Check in. This model was developed by the organization R U Ok? and highlights the positive impact that a simple conversation can have on mental health.
So grab your (digital) mustaches! #MOVEMBER, spread the word!