Movember is the only global charity tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
The Movember Foundation is the leading global men’s health charity, funding over 1,200 projects in 21 countries worldwide – focused on men’s health initiatives, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
“Men are dying too young, on average 6 years earlier than women. The state of men’s health in South Africa is in a crisis. Men deserve better when it comes to their health, and they need to take action now to make this change happen. Too often, guys facing prostate cancer and testicular cancer are facing an uphill battle because of late detection. Too many men are unaware of the health risks they face. We’re giving men the tools they need to live life. And live it well,” says Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. A recent survey of 1000 men by Gilette revealed that only 44% of men aged 18-40 have ever checked themselves for testicular cancer.
The research also found that nearly half don’t know what symptoms to watch out for when it comes to prostate cancer. Of those surveyed, 19% couldn’t identify a single warning sign of prostate cancer – one of the leading cancers for men.
Gsell continued to add that “there is a long way to go before men are fully engaged with key issues relating to their health. This means funding research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. It also means equipping men with the facts and information so that they can take action on their health.”
He says that the Men’s Foundation aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030.
Across the world, men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Men are also at a higher risk of suicide, with 14 men dying from suicide every day in South Africa alone.
Gsell believes that funding for men’s health in South Africa requires continued destigmatisation through media and the public at large, as well as prioritisation.
“Gender is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of health. For men, this is not good news. This has received little national, regional or global acknowledgement or attention from health policy-makers or healthcare providers.
“The reality is that government funding primarily focuses on women, children and the elderly, leaving a lot to be desired for all South African men from all walks of life, and for our funding. We are left to rely on the private and corporate sector for help in funding our programmes.”
Movember wants Mo Bros and Mo Sistas throughout South Africa do what they do best. Growing Mo’s. Moving throughout the month. Sign up to raise funds and awareness at www.movember.com
