November is the month to recognize men’s health. It is important to recognize the struggles that many men go through. Therefore, November usually has the name “Movember”. So, what specifically is Movember? Movember recognizes the struggle for men with certain diseases, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and mental health issues.
Originally, this movement was started in Australia by a group of men who referred to themselves as the “Mo Bros”. This group of thirty men decided not to shave for the month, hence the alternative name for the month, “No-Shave November.” Soon, they formed the organization “Movember Foundation,” which focused on bringing awareness to depression and prostate cancer in men.
Obviously, this means that there are issues that are worth higher awareness. One of the most urgent issues in today’s society is men’s mental health, especially depression. Based on data from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, six million men suffer with depression every year, yet it remains undiagnosed in most men. Ten percent of patients with eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, are male. However, most men do not get diagnosed. About three million men suffer with anxiety or panic attacks, and about half of the people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which usually becomes apparent around the ages of sixteen through twenty-five, are male. Ninety percent of the 3.5 million people diagnosed with schizophrenia in America are men.
Furthermore, based on data from HeadsUpGuys.org, three-fourths of suicides in Canada are men, which is about eight men every day. In the United Kingdom, men commit suicide three times more than women, which is about twelve men every day. Finally, in the United States, men commit suicide four times more than women, which is seventy-nine percent of all suicides in the United States. This is also about one hundred men every day. In these three countries, suicide is either the first or second largest cause of death in men under the age of fifty. This is a major issue because society often has a stigma around men that they are supposed to be closed off about their emotions. Men are supposed to be strong and stable and are supposed to bottle their emotion. However, this should not be the case. Emotions are universal; everyone has them. It is important for everyone to share their emotion, even if it is not with a therapist or psychiatrist.
Prostate cancer is also very common in men. As the name suggests, prostate cancer forms in the prostate and, if caught early, it is treatable. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer within his life. In the United States, is the second most common cancer-caused death in men, following lung cancer. This means that about one in forty-four men die of prostate cancer each year. In January 2024, the American Cancer Society predicted that 35,250 men will die of prostate cancer in 2024. This is why it is important to regularly visit a doctor and, if anything seems unusual or wrong, to contact a doctor. Again, if spotted early, it can be treated.
It is important to recognize and validate the health of all people. During November, it’s important understand the health problems, both physical and mental, that men may have to or currently deal with. Finally, it is okay to talk to someone about any kind of problem, including a therapist, psychiatrist, or any other type of doctor.
Sources:
History:
Mental Health:
https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
https://headsupguys.org/suicide-in-men/suicide-stats-men/
Prostate Cancer:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
