Movember is well and truly back for 2017, and we have once again delved into the Paycare archives to highlight this fantastic campaign that is helping to raise awareness of men’s health issues around the world…
Since its inception in 2003, the Movember movement is now globally-recognised as a charity which is dedicated to preventing men from dying prematurely and committed to changing the face of men’s health.
Although you probably associate the campaign with the month of November where men challenge themselves to grow a beard or moustache to raise money, the foundation actually works all-year-round to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men – including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
To-date, Movember has funded over 1,200 men’s health projects and raised £433million. By 2030, the foundation aims to reduce the number of males dying prematurely by 25%, and in continuing to find and fund the most innovative research.
It might not come as a surprise to learn that one of the biggest health issues affecting men is mental health, with 12.5% of men in the UK thought to be suffering from stress, depression and anxiety¹. Not only that, but males are much less likely to seek professional support compared to women, and are also less likely to disclose a mental health problem to friends and family, according to a report published by the Mental Health Foundation².
Men’s cancers include prostrate and testicular cancers, with early detection key to survival – with 98% of prostate cancer sufferers surviving beyond five years and a 95% success rate for men with testicular cancer.
Written in bold on the official website are the words ‘prostate cancer kills 35 men every hour’ and ‘testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men under 40’. So, this year we wanted to use Movember as a timely reminder to all of our policyholders, our local community, and our teams of the importance in getting yourself (or your loved ones) checked out for testicular and prostate cancer, and in making sure that you speak to someone about any mental health conditions you may be facing.
Don’t forget that as a Paycare policyholder you have unlimited access to our GP 24/7 Telephone Consultation Service, where you can speak to a friendly, professional and qualified GP and receive completely confidential support, advice and guidance seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Not only that, but if you find that you need to have specialist consultations and investigative tests done as referred to you by your GP, you can claim the cost back up to your annual limit (depending on the level of cover you have).
For more information about these services, or to explore a Paycare policy for yourself, your family or your employees, do get in touch with a member of the team who’d be happy to help.
¹Men’s Health Forum | https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-mental-health
²The Guardian and Mental Health Foundation | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/05/men-less-likely-to-get-help–mental-health