Men’s Health Month, also known as “Movember” is a global movement creating awareness about the common issues men might ignore.
On average, men live five years less than women and more than 12% of men over 18 are in fair or poor health, according to Movember US. Men are also 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.
Here’s what men should know about staying healthy
Mental health
- According to Movember US, men are not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
- This can lead to even more reluctance to take action when they’re physically or mentally unwell
Suicide prevention
- Stigmas surrounding mental health simply means suicide prevention needs to be on your radar for the men in your life.
Heart disease
- This is the leading cause of death among men in the United States.
- According to the American Heart Association: Tame your stress, watch your weight and don’t ignore snoring.
Prostate cancer
- Screening for prostate cancer should begin at 40-years-old for men with a high risk, and 50 for those with average risk.
“Typically we start screening men for prostate cancer at the age of 50-years-old. However, if there are any family history, for instance, if the man has, you know, a father, a son an uncle or brother that has had prostate cancer, that makes them high risk. Also, if they are of African-American descent or also if there is any germline mutation like BRCA, then they are considered high risk for prostate cancer and I would encourage them to come in and get evaluated,” said Dr. Hanna Pham from Houston Metro Urology.
Know your PSA
- According to Dr. Pham, knowing the trend of the PSA can be more alarming than having a high number.
“The PSA could be low. But as a urologist, we tend to, you know, trend the PSA and make sure that it kind of stays in line. But if... there’s a quick rise in the PSA, then it would definitely make us suspicious and want to, you know, evaluate prostate cancer,” said Dr. Pham.
Testicular cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, when it comes to testicular cancer, the average age of males is about 33.
This is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men.
Symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness
- A dull ache in the lower belly or groin
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
- Back pain