Make A Move in Movember - keep talking and start walking

Men are being urged to talk the talk and walk the walk, to highlight health issues that are causing thousands of premature deaths in the UK.

It is part of this year’s Movember campaign, where men grow moustaches to encourage awareness of killer diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer as well as poor mental health.

Now they are also being asked to become ‘a walking, talking advertisement’ to show that taking early action really can save lives.

Besides having open conversations with friends and family, men are also being challenged to run or walk 60 kilometres throughout the month.

Campaigners are saying: “Stay connected and keep talking. Your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you.”

But this year they are also laying down the Make A Move challenge, saying that adding an activity to your day can have great benefits to both mental and physical wellbeing.

You don’t have to be an ultra-athlete, just make more time for physical activity. Take the stairs instead of the lift, cycle to work or get off the bus two stops earlier! You could even start up a walking group and get your friends involved – and let everyone know why you are doing it!

Mr Andrew Ballaro a Consultant Urologist at Spire London East Hospital said: “The key to successful treatment for prostate cancer is early detection. Urinary symptoms are more commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions; however it is always worth getting a check-up and advice regarding further investigation”.

“It is well known that men tend to keep things bottled up when it comes to medical issues but that really is the worst thing they can do, and there are many non-invasive treatments available for urinary symptoms.”

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men with over 41,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year, claiming approximately 10,500 lives while around 2,300 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed annually.

Men over 50 years of age are most likely to develop prostate cancer whereas it is men aged from 25 to 49 who are most at risk from testicular cancer.

Mr Ballaro added: “Early prostate cancer may have no symptoms. A consultation involves a discussion around the issues and a simple examination that could be followed by a blood test - there is no need to be frightened or embarrassed.”

Symptoms for testicular cancer include swelling or a lump in a testicle, which is usually painless but can become painful as it increases in size or a dull ache or pain, or heaviness in the scrotum.

“When it comes to testicular lumps, once again men seem to find it difficult to discuss this with others but swift action really can save lives. Don’t wait until it becomes painful, act as soon as you discover a lump, it really can mean the difference between successful and non-successful treatment,” said Mr Ballaro.

“Hopefully the Movember campaign in all its forms will result in more men coming forward for check-ups that could save their lives.”

If you have any concerns, don't delay it. Book to see Mr Andrew Ballaro today.