Men’s health is in crisis, and we need to take action. Every year in November, Movember is celebrated. It is in place to ensure that men (and boys) get the best treatment and prevention they can for the big killers: prostate and testicular cancer and suicide (the world’s mental health picture is very bleak—with over 800 000 people a year dying from suicide. This is especially prevalent in men).

The Movember charity is dedicated to men’s health. They advocate year-long for more awareness on these health issues. They are independent of government funding, so they can “challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works.” In 15 years, they have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.

Why prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally. Each year more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed globally. Even when successful, treatment can take a toll on the physical and mental health of those affected.

Why testicular cancer?

In most cases (better than 95%), a diagnosis of testicular cancer means established treatments and a good outcome. However, a small proportion of men and boys do not face this good outcome, and more needs to be done to support them through diagnosis and treatment and into a long and healthy life after cancer.

Why mental health?

Regardless of age group, men often don’t recognise when they’re experiencing a mental health issue and may not be comfortable asking for help.

Why suicide prevention?

The sad truth is that some stereotypical forms of masculinity are killing men. The results of poor mental health can be deadly. Globally, a man dies every minute from suicide.

5 things every man should do.

Why 5 things?

On average, men die five years before women. Follow the below for a healthy life:

1. Spend time with people who make you feel good.

2. Talk more.

3. Know the numbers

4. Know thy nuts. Simple.

5. Move more.

Fundraising for Movember

“We’re the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year-round. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues men face: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

We know what works for men and how to find and fund the most innovative research to have both a global and local impact. We’re independent of government funding to challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works. In 15 years, we’ve funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.”

It is important to note that Movember is not connected to any government entity. That means they “challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works.”

They report on every initiative they fund so you can see the effect your donations are having. They have funded more than 1,200 projects saving and improving the lives of men all around the world. Since 2003, they’ve committed themselves to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives.If you want to become more than just a man with a moustache, go here for more information!

Namibia: November is ‘Movember’ time

In 2020 the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) embarked on a wave of blue hope in support of men’s health. According to Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Association, the month of November was dedicated to prostate cancer because it is still the most diagnosed form of cancer in Namibian men.

The funds raised during the November campaigns were all earmarked for the men’s health clinic that CAN hosts every first Tuesday of the month in Windhoek, as well as the outreach program that travels across all regions of the country at least once a year to provide education and complimentary screening services for primarily prostate, breast, and cervical cancer, the three most diagnosed cancers in the country.