MOVEMBER: ARE MEN TOO MACHO FOR THEIR OWN GOOD?
Are men too macho for their own good? The statistic all over the world shows a lower life expectancy rate in men. Men tend to live 4-6 years shorter than women on the average. Many a times we think the gender bias is due to genetic possibly. It is predetermined even as soon as we are conceptualized in the womb. The Y chromosome is likely to develop mutation compared to the X chromosome. We seem to accept the fact this gender bias in life expectancy is natural, a norm that is not modifiable. That may not be the whole truth. Many of the men’s health problems may be brought on by the men’s mindset and mentality in itself.
Movember also known as No Shave November is meant to raise awareness in men’s health. Movember originated in Australia in 2003. Initially started as an awareness program for men related cancer such as prostate and testicular cancer, the movement’s campaign has now included men’s mental health and men’s fitness.
We are here to convince you, you and you men out there you can do more to match women’s life expectancy. Yes, it is true men’s life may be shorter because of many factors that cannot be avoided. Yes, just being a man may be hazardous to your health. Men tend to take bigger risks, known to have more dangerous jobs, not have the advantage of estrogens protection against heart disease but one of the key factors in men’s shorter live expectancy is their tendency to avoid doctors!
During this Movember we want to create awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer overall. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The average of diagnosis is 66 years, and rare to occur in men below 40 years old. Prostate cancer is a serious illness but thankfully most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don’t die from it. The 5-year survival rate for most men with early and localized disease is nearly 100%. Prostate cancer is easy to diagnosed from screening or from a visit to your urologist. The symptoms are 1. Dull pain over the pelvic area, 2. Frequency in micturition, 3. Pain during urination or ejaculation, 4. Blood in the urine and 5. Loss of weight or appetite.
Prostate cancer is easy to diagnosed as it is one of the few cancers that can be detected from a blood test. The PSA is readily available in most lab. A simple clinical examination of the prostate by your doctor can further confirm or dismiss the diagnosis. Like all illnesses early diagnosis is paramount to better outcome.
While prostate cancer is a disease of the older age group, testicular cancer is a disease of the young. Most testicular cancer occurs in patients between 20 to 40 years old. On the general basis it is not a common cancer but it is the most common cancer in younger men. Testicular cancer similar to prostate cancer has good survival rate. The 5-year survival rate for men with testicular cancer is 95%.
Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer a month after celebrating his 25th birthday. At the time of the diagnosis Lance Armstrong had metastasis to the brain, lungs and abdomen. That was in 1996. His first oncologist was not optimistic about his chances of survival. Lance decided to seek treatment in Indiana University Medical Centre. He had chemotherapy on top of the surgery on the testicular cancer. He eventually went on to have brain surgery. He completed his chemotherapy in December 1996, 2 months after the initial diagnosis. In January 1997, he went to Lille and started training, riding 100km with his team mates. In February 1997 he was declared free of cancer. He went on to “win” 7 Tour de France.
This remarkable story about Lance illustrates the need for early diagnosis and early treatment. The need to seek out treatment with a healthcare provider you trust. Early diagnosis means an easier path to recovery. It is about time men realize in health they are the weaker sex, they can change this by changing their thinking about seeking health advise or simply doing a medical checkup. It does not make you any less macho to see a doctor!
Dr Betty Teh
Editor in Chief
Beating Hearts
Do not hesitate to contact us at 01123002843 or email us at drbettytehMD@gmail.com for any inquiries
