Have you noticed that November is the hairiest month? For the past 15 years, Canadian men have grown November moustaches in support of prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation*. Prostate cancer, the #1 diagnosed cancer* in North American men, isn’t the only health crisis men are facing, however. Movember has expanded its focus to highlight not just prostate cancer, but also testicular cancer awareness and education, as well as men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Talking directly to men—especially senior men—about their physical and mental health is important. Globally, men die on average five years earlier* than women, yet this is largely preventable. Here’s what you should know:
Prostate cancer
- 99% of cases occur in men aged 50+*
- From 1995 to 2021, the prostate cancer death rate declined by 50%*, mainly due to research and screening
What you can do:
If you’re a male 50+, consider talking to your doctor* about PSA testing. If you’re of African or Caribbean descent, it is recommended to do so at age 45. And if you have a brother or father with a history of prostate cancer, 45 is also a good age to discuss.
Testicular cancer
- Testicular cancer is relatively rare but disproportionately affects younger men—in fact, it's the most commonly diagnosed cancer* in young men
- About 8% of testicular cancer occurs in men over the age of 55*
What you can do:
While testicular cancer is rare in older men, Testicular Cancer Canada* recommends doing a monthly self-check for males 15+. If you have sons, grandsons or nephews, Movember is a great time to remind the men in your life of the importance of early detection.
Men’s mental health
- Men, and particularly older men, are often discouraged from or stigmatized by discussing their feelings or mental health with others, including professional healthcare providers
- A study reported by the Mental Health Commission of Canada* found that men 65+ were nine times likelier to die by suicide as older women, and men living alone were also at greater risk
What you can do:
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, dial 911 to get immediate help. Find other phone numbers and online mental health resources here.
Stay connected to others to be happier and healthier.
Talk more: If you are concerned about someone’s mental health, and don’t know how to start a conversation about it, check out this online resource to give you the tools—and practice—to help a man who is struggling.
*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
- Movember. "About Us", Online: https://ca.movember.com/about/foundation
- Government of Canada. "Prostate cancer in Canada", Online: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer.html
- Movember. "Our Cause", Online: https://ca.movember.com/about/cause
- Government of Canada. "Prostate cancer in Canada", Online: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer.html
- Cision. "New Canadian Cancer Statistics report reveals 50% decline in prostate cancer death rate since peak in 1995"(2021), Online: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/new-canadian-cancer-statistics-report-reveals-50-decline-in-prostate-cancer-death-rate-since-peak-in-1995-832724571.html
- Movember. "Prostate Cancer", Online: https://ca.movember.com/mens-health/prostate-cancer
- Movember. "Nuts & Bolts", Online: https://nutsandbolts.movember.com/
- American Cancer Society. "Key Statistics for Testicular Cancer"(2022), Online: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Testicular Cancer Canada. "It's Time to #TouchYourself", Online: https://www.testicularcancer.ngo/selfexamination-guide
- Mental Health Commission of Canada. "Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Men"(2022), Online: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mental-Health-and-Suicide-Prevention-in-Men.pdf