Men’s health crisis hits hardest for country blokes – Movember calls on Gold Coast to get behind local men doing it tough

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

Movember returns next month with a focus on the men’s health crisis in regional and rural Australia.

 

The latest figures show that men living in regional Queensland have much higher mortality rates for both prostate cancer and suicide than men living in the Greater Brisbane region. For rural men in Queensland the mortality rate for prostate cancer is approximately 5% higher and the suicide rate among rural men in Queensland is approximately 35% higher than men living in Greater Brisbane.1 

 

Rachel Carr, Movember Australia Country Director says: “Sadly, the dire state of men’s health disproportionately affects those in country Australia. These men are fathers, brothers, partners and sons, and they are facing a health crisis which we hope to keep talking about.  

 

“Even one death from suicide, prostate cancer or testicular cancer is too many. This Movember, we’re encouraging men to take action for their health. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t leave it too late, speak up and book in to see your GP or a mental health professional.”

In Australia, the stats are shocking. This year, 3,300 men will die of prostate cancer, while more than 200,000 are living with the disease. Six men a day take their own lives and three out of four suicides are by men. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men.  

 

Last year, nearly 1,900 Mo Bros and Sistas across Gold Coast raised more than $398,400 to help stop men dying too young.   

 

“As a grassroots organisation, Movember started from humble beginnings as a conversation between two blokes in a pub. Today, we are delivering breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives year-round – and that is all thanks to the remarkable fundraising efforts of communities like Gold Coast,” Ms Carr said. 

 

Mo Bros taking part in Movember should sign up at Movember.com or download the Movember app and start with a clean-shaven face on Friday 1st November. After that, it’s as simple as letting their moustache grow for the rest of the month.   

 

You don’t have to Grow to save a bro, anyone can get their mates together and Host an event this Movember. It’s as easy as getting people together for backyard cricket, a group shave-off of facial hair, a BBQ dinner or a movie night. You can also now walk or run for men’s health with Move. Commit to walking or running 60kms over the month. That’s 60kms for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour.

Go to movember.com or download the app to sign up or donate 

 

What can men do for their health? 

 

·         Make Man Time: Stay connected. Spend time with mates, because social connections are a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Try to check in regularly

 

·         Move, more: Add more activity to your day. Take a walking meeting, take the stairs, cycle to work instead of driving, get off the train a stop or two earlier. 

 

·         Know your numbers: When you turn 50, you need to have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons of PSA testing. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a family history, do it at 45. 

 

·         Know Thy Nuts: Know what feels normal for you, and if something changes, starts hurting or doesn’t seem right, go to the doctor. You should be checking your testicles every month or so. 

 

·         Talk: It’s OK to not be OK. Take action by opening up and don’t put off an important conversation. Talking saves lives. 

 

·         Ask: Asking is the first step in being there for the men in your life. Keep an eye on men who are going through the big life stuff, if you think someone’s not doing too good, reach out to them. Remember: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check in (ALEC).