Published by Trustmark Voluntary Benefits on November 2nd, 2020

“Movember”, or “no-shave-November”, is an international campaign that raises awareness for men’s health. You can usually tell it has started when friends and coworkers start growing out their beards and mustaches.  Movember raises awareness on health issues affecting men today, with an emphasis on 3 key conditions: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. To help do our part and promote men’s health, here are some useful tips on how men can keep their minds and bodies healthy.  



1.    Watch what you eat
Proper nutrition and healthy eating habits are important for overall health and cancer prevention. Fruits and vegetables don’t just help you feel better, they can actually help reduce your risk and slow the progression of certain cancers. There are also specific foods you should enjoy sparingly to avoid some cancers. For example, if your diet consists of a lot of red meat and saturated fat, you may be at a higher risk of prostate cancer and colon cancer.1 For nutrition instructions more specific to you, consult with your doctor.

2.    Chat with your doctor
Regular check-ups with your doctor give you the opportunity to discuss any mental or physical health changes, ask questions about potential health risks, and to know where your overall health stands. Depending on your age and genetics, you may also want to discuss your risks for different types of cancers. If you are a young male, you may be at a higher risk for testicular cancer as it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men.2 For men 45-50 years old, you could be at a higher risk for prostate cancer and should chat with your doctor about whether a screening is right for you.3 Regardless of your age, you should consult with your doctor if you experience any changes in your health. 

3.    Avoid smoking and alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco can have a number of negative effects on your mental and physical health; they can affect your mood and increase your cancer risk. While alcohol in moderation isn’t necessarily harmful, drinking in excess can increase mouth, esophagus, liver and colon cancers.4 If you struggle with mental health, alcohol can potentially worsen your symptoms and increase feelings of depression.5 

Smoking is well known to be linked to cancer – 9 out of 10 lung cancer cases are caused by smoking or secondhand smoke. Smoking can cause cancer in almost every area of the body and make it harder for your immune system to fight back. Specifically for men who smoke, those who develop prostate cancer may be less likely to recover.6 

4.    Stay connected
Social interaction and being involved in a community can improve your mood and overall quality of life. Make time to check in with your friends, enjoy each other’s company, and support each other. Often times, men avoid seeking support from friends and family when they need it. So, it’s interesting that 70% of men say their friends can lean on them for support while only 48% of men say they seek support from their friends.7 Remember that reaching out and connecting with each other can make a huge difference in your mental health and everyday life. Movember is all about raising awareness and communication, so don’t take this point lightly!
 
5.    Get active 
If you’ve ever gone for a run or had a good workout, then you know that exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, but did you know that it can also reduce your risk of cancer? Specifically for men, regular physical activity can ward off prostate cancer while also increasing the odds of survival.8 It doesn’t have to be a big day at the gym either. Get moving by going for a brisk walk, doing yard work, biking, running, swimming or playing sports.  

Whether you are a man or a woman, let’s all take November as an opportunity to spread awareness surrounding men’s health. To help start the conversation, share these tips with all of the men in your life; and men—take these suggestions to heart and use them to make your health a priority. 


1 Zero. The End of Prostate Cancer. Diet and Nutrition.
2 Movember. The Facts about Testicular Cancer.
3 Movember. The Facts about Prostate Cancer.
4 Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. The 10 commandments of cancer prevention. 2019.
5 Mental Health Foundation. Alcohol and mental health. 
6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking and Cancer.
7 Movember. Men’s Health. How? Here are our top five things to know, and do.
8 Zero. The End of Prostate Cancer. Exercise and Activity.