Movember: More Than Just a Moustache
November is here, and that means it’s time for Movember—a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues. There are 3 good reasons to access help:
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancers
- Mental Health issues
Many men are hesitant to talk about health concerns, but Movember aims to break that stigma and encourage open dialogue.
Here at RevitaMed Health we are very aware that often there are barriers to men seeking help and that is why we are so keen to raise awareness. As a GP, I have heard lots of reasons from my male patients, about why they have delayed being seen, with many having been prompted into making an appointment by a partner, friend or family member.
What are the main reasons men delay getting help?
Too Busy with work and/or family commitments to take time off.
No appointments with the GP, the difficulty getting an NHS GP appointment can put patients off if they have made the effort to make an appointment only to be told there are none and to call back tomorrow!
Embarrassment or fear of being examined especially for symptoms associated with testicular or prostate issues. Intimate examinations are always going to feel slightly uncomfortable for our patients but this is our day job as GPs and we will do our best to put you at ease.
Embarrassment of discussing sensitive subjects such as erectile dysfunction and bowel habits.
Stigma of admitting that there may be an issue with their mental health and they are struggling to work a way out of a situation they find themselves in.
Why does this delay in getting help matter?
Late diagnosis of cancers – Prostate and testicular cancers are among the most common cancers affecting men, and early detection significantly improves survival rate from these cancers.
Male suicides – Mental health is a crucial component that deserves attention. Statistics show that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, which can lead to devastating consequences. I treat and manage mental health issues on a daily basis and it is so upsetting to see patients that have struggled to access help and support that could have helped them earlier.
What can we do to change the face of men’s health?
Get Checked: Make an appointment for a check-up, and encourage the men in your life to do the same. Early detection saves lives!
Support Mental Health: Take time to check in on friends and loved ones. Sometimes, just asking “How are you doing?” can make a big difference. Encourage them to make an appointment or offer to accompany them to one!
Book Appointment
Get those symptoms checked by booking in for an appointment to see Dr Jen! Visit our booking page.
