What’s that on your face?
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This story is brought to you by Grand Peaks Medical and Dental, a multi-specialty, non-profit, Community Health Center in St. Anthony and Rexburg.
If you see an increasing number of mustaches around town, razor companies did not go on strike. It will soon be “No Shave November,” or more commonly called “Movember”!
What’s Movember?
According to the Movember Foundation’s website, Movember started in 2003 when two Australian men wanted to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancers.
The hope is when you see someone growing a mustache it will generate a conversation, providing an opportunity to bring awareness of men’s health issues.
No Shave November’s site also suggests donating the money you would have spent on grooming supplies towards the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.
Besides growing a mustache, what can you do to celebrate Movember?
Encourage the men in your life to see a health care professional.
According to one survey by The Kaiser Family Foundation, men are less likely to see a doctor for recommended screening services.
And screening services can make a big difference.
The American Academy of Family Physicians only recommends testicular cancer screenings for persons experiencing symptoms, but if symptoms occur, it is important to see a health care provider soon.
Dr. Jacob Curtis at Grand Peaks Medical says, “Testicular tumors are one of the most curable cancers, with an overall cure rate greater than 90 percent.”
He also noted for prostate cancer it is best to make an appointment with your health care provider at the age of 50 and discuss which cancer screening tests are right for you based on the risks and benefits.
So this November lets have a conversation about men’s health and let the lip toupees grow.