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Vindicator Editorial:
November 3, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Over the past decade, a growing network of organizations in the world, the nation, the state and the region have transformed into a noble cause.
Specifically, groups like Man up Mahoning Valley use the 11th month of the year to urge men of all ages, breeds and backgrounds to throw their razor to chilly wind, grow some facial hair and join the public-spirited and health-conscious observance of Movember.
Movember [mustache merged into November] The most debilitating guy-focused health problems, specifically prostate cancer.
It aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduces the number of preventable deaths. The National Cancer Institute predicts 164,690 new prostate cancer cases in 2018 with 29,430 deaths. Sadly, many of those deaths could have been prevented with early detection.
As any true-blue Man Up member will advise, never fear the physician's probing finger. Early detection and routine diagnosis can prevent prostate cancer from morphing into a killer.
As such, the monthlong efforts to raise awareness of prostate cancer and early detection and treatment merit widespread support and active participation.
PROSTATE CANCER'S HEAVY TOLL
Just before October draws of public attention to the plight of breast cancer in women, November appropriately targets the No. 1 cancer killer of men.
Statistics offered by Man Up Mahoning Valley, a program of the Mercy Health Foundation, illustrates the debilitating toll of prostate cancer deaths in the region. Consider:
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The incidence of prostate cancer in Greater Youngstown is higher than the average.
The Valley's African-American males are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than any other race.
Less than 50 percent of all men in the valley had a digital rectal examination performed in the past year that could provide an early diagnosis and cure.
Such statistics are required for the monthlong campaign. Men and women can choose from a variety of ways to help.
First, they can take part in the campaign that also includes fundraising and good-natured fun and competition among stache growers in families, factories and offices. According to Laura Boomhower, Mercy Health's Oncology Liaison to Man Up, members of the Austintown and Struthers police departments are actively taking part in this year's monthlong hair-raising and awareness building experience.
But if you do not want to grow a mustache or beard, you can still get involved. You can recruit others or make a donation to the MH Foundation in Boardman. For more details on participation, check out the Mahoning Valley Man Up Facebook page.
One of the best ways for men to be actively supporting the awareness month, however, is simply to transform awareness into action. Call your doctor today to schedule a painless and speedy prostate exam. When detected early, such cancers are more likely to be treated and curable.
The life you save, after all, may be your own.
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