November annually presents a compelling reason with a social message that can encourage men to go for that “full-bearded and moustache look” for the whole month. No-Shave November” is defined as a month-long journey where men avoid shaving and grooming in order to increase men’s health awareness – specifically discussion about prostate cancer. It means embracing the hair which is lost by many cancer patients during their treatment of chemotherapy and allowing this hair to grow wild and free. The idea was started by a young woman named Rebecca Hill when her father Matthew was diagnosed with cancer in the year 1996 and ultimately passed away in the year 2007. After that- she and her friends wanted to find a way to raise awareness as well as raise money for cancer research. The first No-Shave November started as a Facebook fan page with around fifty participants in its first year and has grown to be a global event, especially after 2013, when No Shave November partnered with the American Cancer Society to ensure that the funds raised during the campaign were effectively utilized in various areas such as awareness, prevention, and research.
Here are some facts that point to the importance of raising awareness to this deadly disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. There are about 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer each year resulting in about 29,430 deaths from prostate cancer per year. About 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime with about 1 man in 41 who will die of prostate cancer.
But now for the good news : while prostate cancer can be a serious disease, most men diagnosed with this cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. Like with many cancers, catching prostate cancer early often allows for more treatment options. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men have an informed discussion with their doctors about having a screening if they fall into these catagories:
• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
But just as important as early detection of this and other cancers is working towards their Prevention. One of the most common questions that we hear often is – “What can I eat to reduce my risk of developing prostate cancer?” . Undoubtedly, many hope that their doctor will rattle off a list of foods guaranteed to shield them from disease. However- although some foods have been linked with reduced risk of prostate cancer, proof that they really work is lacking, at least for now.
So Instead of focusing on specific foods, dietitians, physicians, and researchers recommend that men aim at developing an overall pattern of healthy eating — and healthy eating is easier than you might think. In a nutshell, here’s what experts recommend:
1. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Go for those with deep, bright color.
2. Choose whole-grain bread instead of white bread and choose whole-grain pasta and cereals.
3. Limit your consumption of red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and goat, and processed meats, such as bologna and hot dogs. Fish, skinless poultry, beans, and eggs are healthier sources of protein.
4. Choose healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and avocados. Limit saturated fats from dairy and other animal products. Avoid partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats), which are in many fast foods and packaged foods.
5. Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks, such as sodas and many fruit juices. Eat sweets as an occasional treat.
6. Cut down on salt. Choose foods low in sodium by reading and comparing food labels. Limit the use of canned, processed, and frozen foods.
7. Watch portion sizes. Eat slowly and stop eating when you are full.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, health care advocates also suggest that all men should stay active. Regular exercise pares down your risk of developing some deadly problems, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. And although relatively few studies have directly assessed the impact of exercise on prostate health, those that have been done have concluded, for the most part, that exercise is beneficial. Simply put, men who were more physically active were less likely to suffer from BPH, which is an overgrown and inflamed prostate gland. Even low- to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking regularly at a moderate pace, has been shown to yield positive benefits.
So- this month please encourage all the important men in your life to make those whiskers count by being more aware of taking care of their health and get screened for prostate cancer if they are encouraged to by their doctors.