The Movember Movement and Its Effect on Malaysian Men | Way of life

Grow a month, save a brother

It has been scientifically proven that men with facial hair are perceived as more attractive. We think of Chris Evans – who can easily switch from Mr. Sweetface to Mr. Hottie with mustache and beard.

If you need more names … George Clooney, Idris Elba, Jason Momoa … and the list goes on.

Aside from celebrities, the growth trend of facial hair – especially whiskers – is also prevalent in the rest of the world, and even more so in the month of November. It's thanks to the Movember movement that carries the slogan "Growing up a mo, saving a brother".

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a "hipster" trend (at least not only), but a movement to increase awareness of men's health.

What began as a simple plan concocted by two friends – Travis Garone and Luke Slattery – in Australia in 2003, became an official campaign the following year and became a global phenomenon.

Over the past eleven years, the non-profit organization (NGO) has been successful in raising awareness in over 21 countries and collecting $ 17.1 million (RM 71.5 million).

The money is used to fund prostate and testicular cancer, as well as awareness and research on men's mental health.

Why men's health problems, in particular? According to the website of the Movember Foundation, it is because health issues are gender-related and the health of men has not received the attention it deserves. The fact that men have a shorter lifespan than women, which can be avoided, has stimulated the movement.

In Malaysia, the foundation itself took no initiative, but the repercussions were felt on our shores. Many took up the challenge of growing a mustache and some organizations even organized fundraisers to help raise funds and raise awareness.

National Cancer Society Malaysia (HMCS) spokesman Calvin Fernandez said the movement's popularity has encouraged many to learn more about it. As such, they have become more aware of the cancer that affects men, while indulging in the cool factor of the famous gadget.

"Through social media, the Movember campaign has created new opportunities for cancer awareness in the country.

"The campaign has indirectly allowed people to understand the different cancers that affect men such as prostate, testicular and lung cancers, why it's important to highlight them, and what we can do to stay informed and informed. conscious, while melting and keeping abreast. with an exciting trend, "said the HMCS Education Development Executive.

Prostate cancer is the second most important cancer in men in the world and the third in Malaysia. The number of men suffering from this type of cancer is expected to double to 1.7 million by 2030. Yet, awareness campaigns and targeted medical policies have not been enough to s & # 39; To attack this problem.

According to the HMCS, in Malaysia, 60% of cases are only detected at more advanced stages (three and four) as there are no obvious symptoms for this type of cancer. The only way to quickly detect it is to perform specific tests.

So, what is the prostate? It is a gland the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra (the tube from which men urinate and ejaculate) located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate produces a component of the sperm that nourishes and protects the sperm.

Prostate cancer occurs when the tumor or tumors begin to develop in the prostate. This is usually a very slow process and can be harmless. However, if the tumor becomes cancerous, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and bones. This can lead to health complications and, in one case out of 41, death.

The most frustrating aspect may be the lack of "common" symptoms, but here are some of the signs to watch for:

• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Blood in the urine or sperm.
• Low or interrupted urinary flow or need to force to empty the bladder.
• Painful urination.
• Painful erection.
• Impossible to have an erection.
• Stiffness or pain in the hips, lower back or upper thighs.

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Even if you are not, do regular checkups as soon as you reach the age of 50, or 45 if there is a history of cancer in your family.

The most common test for prostate cancer is a blood test designed to detect abnormal levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The prostate produces PSA but an excess of the protein can indicate several problems, including cancer. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to rule out any possibility before ordering additional tests if necessary.

The Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is another test performed. The doctor inserts a finger into the patient's anus to detect any abnormalities of the prostate. This is easily done because the gland is located next to the anus. The doctor is looking for bumps or uneven surfaces.

An ultrasound of the prostate to detect a tumor and a biopsy to look for cancer cells is also a common detection technique.

There are several treatments for prostate cancer, depending on the patient's stage of development, age, and risk. The most common treatments are prostatectomy (removal of the prostate), chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, in some cases, very slow tumor growth and vigilant waiting.

This type of cancer is quite rare and the numbers are almost negligible among Malaysian men (about 0.26% of all cancer cases), according to the HMCS.

However, there is no reason to take things for granted, The founder and director of GRIMfilms, Jared Lee discovered earlier this year.

In February, Lee noticed a feeling of "tugging" between the abdomen and groin, but ignored it for about a month. One night, he decided to check his testicles and realized that it was not the usual size. He asked his wife, Marianne Lee, to examine too.

She did not detect any difference, but Lee decided to call a friend, a doctor.

"I told the symptoms to my friend and he said," Brother, that sounds serious. Why do not you come to my house to check? " So we went there, "he said during a phone interview with Rojak Daily.

"I was scared but I did not think it was cancer. When he checked, his face simply changed, "said Lee, adding that the friend had immediately called to look for the best oncologist.

The following months were a roller coaster for Lee and his wife, with appointments with doctors, a major operation to remove a seven-centimeter tumor and chemotherapy.

"When we met the doctor, he said that the size of the tumor made my case very critical. Usually, the tumor can reach six centimeters. More than that, chances are the cancer will spread to other parts of the body, especially the lymph nodes, "he said.

"The operation was not the worst. It was the recovery. I was lost and I was afraid of losing my creativity. I'm busy reading movies, watching tutorials and even listening to podcasts, "he said.

Lee is healing, but needs constant testing to make sure the cancer does not come back.

"Being Malaysian, we are not going to do health checks. Start. Get insurance. As boring as insurance agents may be, helping them really helps, especially when such events occur. You do not want money to be a concern in this kind of situation, "he said.

Men aged 15 and over are encouraged to perform self-exams from time to time to ensure rapid detection and treatment.

How to do? Here is a simple infographic that can help:

To help you, here are some of the symptoms of testicular cancer:

• Painless piece of the size of a pea or bigger on one or the other testicle
• Pain in the testicle or scrotum.
• Change the size and feel of the testicles.
• Frequent pain in the lower abdomen or groin.

The treatment options are varied and depend on the type of cancer. Consult a doctor if you find any abnormalities and be extremely vigilant if your family has a history of testicular cancer.

According to the Movember Foundation website, three in four suicide victims are men in the world. This is despite the higher number of women trying to commit suicide. No conclusive research indicates why this is so and, as such, targeted assistance is almost non-existent.

The website also shows that more than 500,000 men commit suicide each year. This figure is worrying given that the World Health Organization estimates 800,000 suicides a year.

There seems to be a discrepancy in the estimate of numbers, which is not surprising given that most countries do not have well-documented data on mental health and suicide. The fact remains that, despite the high number of cases of women seeking help for mental health problems and suicidal ideation, the number of deaths among men is higher.

In Malaysia, the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey indicates a worrying increase in the number of Malaysians with mental health problems.

It is estimated that 4.2 million Malaysians over the age of 16 suffer from mental health problems, and that number is expected to double by 2020. In fact, mental health should be the second most important health problem in the world. 39 here here.

Other statistics do not paint a more beautiful picture. What should you do if you are going through difficult times or have mental health problems? Here are some suggestions:

• Accept the fact that you will not have to suffer on your own and that you "harden" yourself.
• Self-control – if you feel more irritable than usual, if you feel hopeless or unnecessary, drink alcohol or illegal substances to deal with problems and other negative behavior, ask help.
• Speak to someone. Whether it's a friend, a family or a professional.
• Call Befrienders at 603-79568145 if you do not know who to call.

While the Movember Movement has raised awareness of men's health issues, much remains to be done. If you would like to donate or participate in next year's campaign, you can visit the Movember Movement's official website for more information.

If you are planning to locate in the area and would like to devote your time or money to local organizations fighting to help cancer patients and mental health issues, you can contact the National Cancer Society Malaysia by clicking here and Befrienders Malaysia via their website.