Gentlemen, Check Your Jewels This Movember

Collaboration with Saint James Hospital, Malta

#checkyourjewels

Hi there! Autumn is now with us, so here we welcome the moustaches! If you notice more and more men ceasing to shave their facial hair in November, don’t assume it’s out of laziness or part of some fall trend. “Movember” is a worldwide month-long campaign to raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues such as depression and suicide. Malta is no exception, with several individuals and companies taking various initiatives. I’m very pleased to be collaborating with Saint James Hospital to bring you some facts and informatio, and to perhaps guide some gentlemen out there to consider taking that cautious step in the right direction.

Here are some important facts worth reading and sharing:

 50% of men diagnosed with Testicular Cancer are aged between 20-34 years
 There is a 1 in 270 lifetime risk
 1 in 5000 risk dying from testicular cancer
 Very curable if an early diagnostic is done
 99% survival rate at 5 years

Men’s testicles are responsible for the production of male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumor that develops in one or both testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer, but the most common is the germ cell tumor.

Symptoms are the following:

 Lumps
 Swelling
 Pain – Locally, Abdomen or Back
 Hormone Effects – Breast Pain or Enlargement
 Spread to other Organs – Glands, Belly Pain, Chest Pain, Bone Pain

Testicular cancer rates have doubled in the last 50 years, prostate cancer rates will do the same in the next 15, and 500,000 men take their own life each year. There is widespread stigma and silence surrounding these three health issues, but thanks to Movember, the state of crisis in which men’s health currently finds itself is being reversed.

The awareness raised during the month of November is to basically bring to the attention that the best thing you can do for your testicles is giving them a bit of a feel each month or so, and if something doesn’t seem right, head to the doctor!

#checkyourjewels

#Checkyourjewels

The good news is that 90 percent of all cases of prostate cancer are curable if detected early and treated properly. Unfortunately, men are less likely to go to the doctor than women (call it the macho complex) and get things checked out. That’s where the mustaches come in.

#CHECKYOURJEWELS is a a campaign designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer, but also to assist to change men’s attitudes about visiting the doctor and being aware of their health in general.

By making male health issues fun and a bit goofy, Movember is aiming to put men’s health on the map and it is an honor to be a part of this awareness this year!