Hey all,
We're continuing the Movember fun this year. We've got a thread going here. Our team page is here. We'll have a contest again this year.
The following is a piece I wrote last year, and I wanted to call your attention to it again this year. Movember is adding physical exercise to the list of good men's health items to promote this year, which speaks for itself.
---
Many of you have probably noticed a Movember thread on B&B this year. Thank you to our many participants and well wishers! I wanted to take a moment to discuss what Movember is all about, besides growing a mustache and seeing if you look debonair or goofy with it.
The Movember Foundation raises money to increase awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. In addition, the act of growing a mustache that was not previously present increases awareness of these diseases because of the conversations it spawns. In past years, 99% of MoBros have had a conversation with at least one person about mens health during Movember. This is a brilliant way to raise awareness that doesnt cost a dime.[1]
Allow me to share some information about each of these problems.
Prostate Cancer: This disease is a real mystery. Autopsy studies of men that died from other causes show that previously unknown prostate cancer gets more and more likely with increasing age (e.g. 80% in men >80 years old). If you live long enough, youre likely to get prostate cancer. However, most men will die with the disease rather than of the disease. Unfortunately, this is only half of the story. For reasons we dont understand, some prostate cancers are much more aggressive and cause death quickly, sometimes to men in their 50s. Black men are at higher risk worldwide.[2] Other than possibly obesity, there are no known modifiable risk factors. [3] The common screening tests are far from perfect and are controversial. Clearly we have a ways to go on this one. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second highest cause of cancer death among men.[4]
Testicular Cancer: Think cancer is an old mans disease? Think again. Although it can occur at any age, most testicular cancer is diagnosed in men 15-35 years old. There are no known modifiable risk factors.[5] The good news is that this is often more treatable than some other cancers, but early detection is key. Awareness, awareness, awareness!
Mental Health: Did you know that suicide is in the top 4 causes of death for all age categories of males between the ages of 10-54 in the US?[6] Of course the ultimate mental health catastrophe is only part of the story. Living with depression and anxiety, among other mental health ailments, saps men of the fullness of life they deserve.
The members of Badger & Blade are some of the biggest-hearted folk on the Internet. The amazing outpouring of generosity during the Saint Sue Moore Auction to raise funds to fight breast cancer is Exhibit A (and dont forget that 1% of breast cancers occur in men weve got the equipment too, just not as much of it). The timbre of discussion and PIFs are more examples of this forums unique culture. I ask you to continue in this spirit in support of Movember and our MoBros. You can be a MoBro and, if you are, use the opportunity to talk about these topics with other men, or women about the men in their life. You can be supportive of our MoBros and cheer them on in the thread. Likewise, you can be supportive of any in the flesh MoBros you run into in the real world. Dont forget to vote for the best and worst Mo in early December. Finally, you can support a MoBro (or a team, such as B&Bs team) financially. Lets work together to keep men happy and shaving for as many years as possible!
[1] Movember Funded Programs. <http://us.movember.com/programs>
[2] To use the more common international English designation, rather than the common US designation African-American.
[3] Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Prostate Cancer. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20029597>
[4] CDC. Cancer among Men. <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/men.htm>
[5] Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Testicular Cancer. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20043068>
[6] CDC. Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, All Males United States, 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/men/lcod/2010/LCOD_menallages2010.pdf>
We're continuing the Movember fun this year. We've got a thread going here. Our team page is here. We'll have a contest again this year.
The following is a piece I wrote last year, and I wanted to call your attention to it again this year. Movember is adding physical exercise to the list of good men's health items to promote this year, which speaks for itself.
---
Many of you have probably noticed a Movember thread on B&B this year. Thank you to our many participants and well wishers! I wanted to take a moment to discuss what Movember is all about, besides growing a mustache and seeing if you look debonair or goofy with it.
The Movember Foundation raises money to increase awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. In addition, the act of growing a mustache that was not previously present increases awareness of these diseases because of the conversations it spawns. In past years, 99% of MoBros have had a conversation with at least one person about mens health during Movember. This is a brilliant way to raise awareness that doesnt cost a dime.[1]
Allow me to share some information about each of these problems.
Prostate Cancer: This disease is a real mystery. Autopsy studies of men that died from other causes show that previously unknown prostate cancer gets more and more likely with increasing age (e.g. 80% in men >80 years old). If you live long enough, youre likely to get prostate cancer. However, most men will die with the disease rather than of the disease. Unfortunately, this is only half of the story. For reasons we dont understand, some prostate cancers are much more aggressive and cause death quickly, sometimes to men in their 50s. Black men are at higher risk worldwide.[2] Other than possibly obesity, there are no known modifiable risk factors. [3] The common screening tests are far from perfect and are controversial. Clearly we have a ways to go on this one. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second highest cause of cancer death among men.[4]
Testicular Cancer: Think cancer is an old mans disease? Think again. Although it can occur at any age, most testicular cancer is diagnosed in men 15-35 years old. There are no known modifiable risk factors.[5] The good news is that this is often more treatable than some other cancers, but early detection is key. Awareness, awareness, awareness!
Mental Health: Did you know that suicide is in the top 4 causes of death for all age categories of males between the ages of 10-54 in the US?[6] Of course the ultimate mental health catastrophe is only part of the story. Living with depression and anxiety, among other mental health ailments, saps men of the fullness of life they deserve.
The members of Badger & Blade are some of the biggest-hearted folk on the Internet. The amazing outpouring of generosity during the Saint Sue Moore Auction to raise funds to fight breast cancer is Exhibit A (and dont forget that 1% of breast cancers occur in men weve got the equipment too, just not as much of it). The timbre of discussion and PIFs are more examples of this forums unique culture. I ask you to continue in this spirit in support of Movember and our MoBros. You can be a MoBro and, if you are, use the opportunity to talk about these topics with other men, or women about the men in their life. You can be supportive of our MoBros and cheer them on in the thread. Likewise, you can be supportive of any in the flesh MoBros you run into in the real world. Dont forget to vote for the best and worst Mo in early December. Finally, you can support a MoBro (or a team, such as B&Bs team) financially. Lets work together to keep men happy and shaving for as many years as possible!
[1] Movember Funded Programs. <http://us.movember.com/programs>
[2] To use the more common international English designation, rather than the common US designation African-American.
[3] Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Prostate Cancer. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20029597>
[4] CDC. Cancer among Men. <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/men.htm>
[5] Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Testicular Cancer. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20043068>
[6] CDC. Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, All Males United States, 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/men/lcod/2010/LCOD_menallages2010.pdf>
