Media Room

What Sort of Man Grows a Mo

The Rules

Style Guide

Robert Dunne
robert@movember.com
+ 64 3379 9803
+ 64 211 825 395

The Face of Men's Health
Historically men have been very poor at looking after their health, especially when compared with the efforts of women who proactively and publicly address their health issues. The result today, is that men are generally less healthy than women.

Statistics show that on average men die at a younger age than women – the usual life expectancy for a New Zealand male is currently 78.1 years, compared to the female average of 82.2 years. Despite lagging behind the women’s health movement, the tides are beginning to turn and established taboos and barriers relating to men’s health are gradually being broken down.

There is still a way to go to achieve the changes needed. Men still access health services less frequently than women and when they do visit the doctor, they typically present late, thereby denying themselves the chance of early detection and treatment of common diseases. Studies have shown that men don’t get regular health checks for the following reasons:
   - Scared it will lead to a hospital visit - Embarrassed to discuss their health issues
   - Find it too hard to see a GP because of limited opening hours
   - Just can’t be bothered making an appointment

The reasons for the poor state of men’s health in New Zealand and around the world are numerous and complex but what is known, is that it is mainly due to a lack of awareness. This can largely be attributed to the reluctance of men to openly discuss the subject due to longstanding traditions, coupled with a ‘it'll be alright’ attitude.   

Movember aims to change the face of men's health and alter this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on the very serious issue of men’s health. By using the moustache as a catalyst we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to talk about their health with friends and family.

Movember has an interest in all issues relating to men’s health but currently concentrates its efforts in New Zealand on raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Society of New Zealand with a focus on prostate cancer and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and their Out of the Blue depression campaign.

Movember's first campaign objective in New Zealand is to raise awareness of men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. We want everyone to know that men over the age of 50, and those over 40 with a family history, are at risk of prostate cancer and encourage them to be tested annually because it is highly curable if detected and treated early. We want all men experiencing depression to understand it is a disease that they can talk about, and for which they should seek help.

Movember’s aim is to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment as this will ultimately reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer and suicide.

Prostate Cancer

How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs mainly in men over 60, and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men, aged 45 and over. Around 2,500 men are diagnosed annually.

The prostate
The prostate is a small gland about four centimetres across, that sits below the bladder and surrounds the top part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder, and semen from the sex glands to the outside of the body via the penis).

Symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body usually causes no symptoms. Many men over 50 have urinary symptoms, such as
- passing urine more frequently
- difficulty urinating - starting or stopping
- poor flow of urine, and
- getting up at night more frequently to urinate

These symptoms are usually due to pressure on the urethra from an enlarged prostate (benign - not cancerous). It is important to have all symptoms checked by a doctor to exclude a cancer.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen blood test)
- Digital Rectal examination (DRE). The doctor puts a gloved finger into your rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall
- Ultrasound examination and biopsy: a small needle is directed into the prostate guided by an ultrasound probe in the rectum (this is called transrectal ultrasound or TRUS)

Treatments for prostate cancer
Treatments may include surgery, radiation treatment, hormone therapy, or a combination of these. For some older men, a programme of active surveillance may be recommended.

Reducing your risk of prostate cancer
The causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating less red meat may lower your risk of prostate caner. Prostate cancer is more common if there is a family history.

Prostate screening
Many men ask if they should be routinely tested (screened) for prostate cancer if they don't have any symptoms. Screening tests for prostate cancer include blood (PSA) tests and rectal examinations. The Cancer Society recommends that men who are thinking about being tested should have information about the possible benefits and risks to enable them to make up their minds. Discuss this with your doctor.

For more detailed information please contact 0800 CANCER (226 237) or visit the Cancer Society's website www.cancernz.org.nz.

For information about Movember funds in action visit Programs We Fund

  
  
    

  

     
 

Major Sponsor
Snickers

Supporting Sponsors
Big Boys Toys
Bright's Sausages
Linden Leaves
Quiksilver
Schick

Promotional Sponsors
Canterbury of New Zealand
Media Works

Coming Soon!