Around 10,200 men in the UK will die from prostate cancer each year, which is the most common cancer in men, Movember is designed to raise awareness and help reduce the number of deaths by encouraging men to get checked out.

Throughout November men (Mo Bro’s) are encouraged to grow a moustache starting on the 1st November with a clean shaven face, then for the entire month of Movember, Mo Bro’s must grow a moustache according to set rules. You don’t have to be able to grow a moustache to join in women can also get in the action by fundraising and organizing Mo parties to raise money.

Early diagnosis of the cancer has been key, with around 7 in 10 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients now surviving the disease beyond five years. This is from men now becoming more aware and getting checked out earlier with PSA testing.

As with most forms of cancer there are many things attributed to its cause and there are certain groups who are more at danger from being diagnosed.

Age is the biggest risk for prostate cancer with it increasing over the age of 50, also family history, if one or more close relatives have been diagnosed you will have a greater risk of also been diagnosed with prostate cancer. West African and black Caribbean men are also groups with a higher risk factor, diet and lifestyle can also attribute to the risk of prostate cancer.

So for Movember remember, grow a Mo for a Bro and help towards saving more lives!

tash

Picture courtesy of bixentro