The question of whether men’s health awareness falls in November or June highlights a common confusion between two distinct annual observances. Men’s Health Month is officially celebrated every June. This national initiative raises awareness about preventable health issues and encourages early detection among men and boys. Often symbolized by the “Wear Blue” campaign, it focuses broadly on general physical and mental well-being for the male population. November, however, is globally recognized as Movember, a major campaign focused specifically on raising funds and sparking conversations about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Understanding the Men’s Health Calendar
The two months represent different approaches to men’s health advocacy, each with a unique history and focus. Men’s Health Month in June was established in 1994 and promotes routine check-ups, preventative screenings, and healthier lifestyles across the lifespan. It encourages men to prioritize their health and overcome the tendency to delay seeking medical attention, which often results in poorer health outcomes compared to women.
The Movember movement in November began in Australia in 2003 with the simple act of growing a mustache to raise awareness. It quickly evolved into a global, cause-specific charity. This movement channels its efforts into funding research for prostate and testicular cancer and supporting mental health initiatives. Movember uses the symbolic mustache to drive conversations that address the stigma preventing men from discussing serious health concerns.
Major Health Issues Affecting Men
The need for dedicated awareness months stems from significant health disparities that affect men globally. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the United States, responsible for approximately one in every four male deaths. Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is often diagnosed seven to ten years earlier in men than in women, highlighting the need for early risk factor management.
Cancers represent another significant threat. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in this population. Testicular cancer, while less common, is the most prevalent cancer affecting men between the ages of 15 and 34, though it is highly curable when detected early. Males die by suicide at a rate approximately 3.8 times higher than women in the United States.
Essential Preventative Health Practices
A proactive approach to health can mitigate the risks associated with these major health issues, starting with regular medical check-ups. Routine physical exams allow for the monitoring of key indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Lifestyle adjustments are equally important, requiring men to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly and to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Specific screenings are recommended based on age and risk profile to detect cancer early. For colorectal cancer, the recommended starting age for screening is now 45 for individuals at average risk. Prostate cancer screening, typically involving a PSA blood test, should be discussed with a doctor starting at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history or if the individual is African American.
Addressing mental health proactively is also a form of preventative care. This means seeking professional support for persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness.