Movember is an annual campaign involving the growing of mustaches and other health activities during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as Prostate and Testicular Cancers, as well as mental health. Abarca goes all in to offer men and their families greater clarity on when to get tested for these prevalent diseases by empowering them with the information to make life-saving choices.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer (PC) occurs from mutations in genes in the prostate and is the 2nd most common type of cancer in men in the country. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with the disease, but did you know that PC is 99% treatable if detected early? Prevention and early detection can be a game-changer. Learn more about prostate cancer prevention.
Knowing your risks is more than half the battle. Risk factors for PC include family history, genetic factors, race, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Take this quick quiz from the Prostate Cancer Foundation to find out when you should start talking to your doctor about prostate screening.
It is essential to keep in mind that cancer is estimated to be 42% preventable with certain lifestyle changes. This invaluable resource includes everyday changes you can make to keep your body safe from the kinds of cell damage related to all forms of cancer.
Testicular Cancer
On the other hand, testicular cancer (TC) is generally rare but is the most common cancer found in males ages 15 to 34. It’s also one of the easiest cancers to cure. About 95% of men survive TC more than five years after it’s found.
Unfortunately, many men with TC have no known risk factors, and those that are known can not be changed. For these reasons, it’s not possible to prevent most cases of TC. Risk factors for testicular cancer include an undescended testicle, family history, HIV infection, carcinoma in situ of the testicle, race, and body size.
Early detection can save lives! Get an appointment with your doctor if you feel anything new, abnormal, or painful in that area. Find out how testicular cancer is tested for, diagnosed, and staged. With a proper exam, your doctor can provide various tests to get to the bottom of what it is you’re feeling. Read more on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of TC, as well as the treatment options available.
Mental Health
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures like isolation and statewide lockdowns were put in place to negate and reduce the spread of the deadly virus. These measures have impacted how we all socialize, and for those who relied on this as their only source of connection with other people, you can bet that it has taken a toll on their physical and psychological health. Suicide, among other mental health issues, has been increasing throughout the years.
When life may seem tough, there is a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. Access reliable, expert information to help you cope and live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Access mental health resources here.
What’s more, the Movember organization has taken the initiative and released several digital tools to help keep men connected and mentally healthy in these digital times. You can find out more about these tools by heading to the following link.
Get involved this Movember
- Grow a mustache! Your face will raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Learn how and download the Movember app here.
- Move for Movember! Run or walk 60 miles over the month. That’s 60 miles for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world. Learn more.
- Host a Mo-ment! Rally a crew and do something fun and easy, virtual or in person. Hosting is all about having a good time for a good cause. Learn more.
As part of our mission to find a better way in healthcare, Abarca takes action this Movember by bringing awareness to men’s health! If you haven’t checked in on the physical and mental well-being of the men in your lives lately, today is the day.
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*This blog was written by Juan Vilaro, Senior Analyst of Rebate Services at Abarca Health.