Raising Awareness Around Men’s Health During Movember | The Mainswitch| VowFM

Raising Awareness Around Men’s Health During Movember

By: Palesa Rochelle Matlala

With the month of November upon us, we talk Movember- an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness around men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

The notable men’s health issue

One notable problem that men suffer from is prostate cancer- a cancer in a man’s prostate, which is a gland that produces seminal fluid. It is reported that 1 in every 23 South African men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and on average, five South African men will die from prostate cancer every day. Our Mainswitch hosts, Kgomotso Monyai and Kamogelo Mogale therefore, took the time to talk to Lerato Ndaba, health expert and ambassador for Wits campus health, who shed some light on what prostate cancer is.

The Health Line shares the following tips on how to prevent prostate cancer:

• Eat tomatoes and other red foods
• Recognize the power of fruits AND veggies
• Consider soybeans and tea
• Pour another cup of coffee
• Make good choices about fat
• Stop smoking
• Make time for exercise
• Talk to your doctor

Are men receiving the support they need?

Now, it is also reported that more than 4300 South African men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. A question that remains is does men receive enough support when it comes to information around prostate cancer?

Most of you might argue that men would seldomly open themselves up to having conversations about their health, or even be open to taking advice, for that matter. A North- western Medicine article showed proof that men are less likely to want to visit the doctor compared to women.

There is still a way to help a brother out!

Well, all is not in vain, as the same North -Western Medicine article shared the following tips on how to approach a man about his health:

• Offer to help
• Set a good example
• Be prepared for common excuses
• Pay attention
• Notice symptoms
• Express your concern
• Focus on the positive

It is also wise to constantly educate yourself on as much health issues possible, to take care of yourself as well as those around you. Throughout November, grow out your moustache and hair and support your brothers!

#menshealth #movember