“Men do something about it”, is the pun the Cancer Society uses to shed light on cancer in men. They must also take “Manndag” seriously.
As many as four out of five men answer that they do not have a good knowledge of the symptoms of cancer, according to a survey Norstat has carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Cancer Society.
– This worries us very much, especially when we know that men have a higher risk of both getting and dying from cancer, says Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross, secretary general of the Cancer Association.
Most cancers affect men more often than women. It is linked to genetics, biology, lifestyle and the fact that men are more often exposed to cancer-causing factors in their work.
Tradition and mustache
From now on, the Cancer Association will spend every first Monday of the month talking to men about cancer.
– We say that we take Man’s Day. Our hope is that men will become better at recognizing and going to the doctor by increasing their knowledge about cancer, says Ross.
The Swedish Cancer Society has a long tradition of putting the spotlight on men and cancer in November. You may have noticed in previous years that an unusually large number of men walk around with mustaches in November – even outside Trondheim.
The mustache – in English “mustache” – plus November has created “movember”, which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about men’s health.
How to check
The Norwegian Cancer Society has created the following checklist to monitor whether you may have cancer symptoms:
1. Has anything changed in the body?
2. Have the changes lasted more than three weeks?
3. If yes, then it’s time to take a trip to the doctor.
Most of the changes you feel in your body are harmless. But the cancer association says that you should take the following signs seriously: changes in bowels and stools, swollen and tender testicles, changes in urine, symptoms from the prostate, skin changes on the penis, cold and swollen lymph nodes, changes in the breasts and pain in the body.
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**Interview with Dr. Eva Jensen, Oncologist and Advocate for Men’s Health Awareness**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Jensen. Thank you for joining us to discuss the importance of men’s health, particularly in relation to prostate cancer. The Norwegian Cancer Society recently highlighted that four out of five men lack knowledge about cancer symptoms. What are your thoughts on this finding?
**Dr. Jensen:** Thank you for having me. I’m deeply concerned about this statistic. Awareness is crucial for early detection and treatment. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, yet many don’t know the signs or the importance of regular check-ups. Education about symptoms can save lives, and that’s why campaigns like “Men do something about it” are so vital.
**Editor:** Absolutely. The phrase “Manndag” seems to play a significant role in raising awareness. Can you explain its significance?
**Dr. Jensen:** “Manndag” translates to “Man Day” in English, and it’s a call to action for men to prioritize their health. It’s a reminder that taking care of oneself isn’t just acceptable—it’s necessary. Engaging in discussions about health, scheduling medical appointments, and understanding symptoms should be part of a regular routine for men.
**Editor:** The collaboration between Prostate Cancer Action and the Movember Foundation highlights investment in research and services. How important is funding in the fight against prostate cancer?
**Dr. Jensen:** Funding is essential for advancing research and developing new treatments. It also helps increase public awareness about the disease. Organizations that invest in finding better therapies or improving existing health services make a tangible impact on improving outcomes for patients.
**Editor:** Given that awareness and education are so crucial, what steps can men take to become more informed about their health?
**Dr. Jensen:** First and foremost, I encourage men to talk openly about their health with their peers and healthcare providers. Doing your own research, attending community health events, and utilizing resources from organizations like the Norwegian Cancer Society can also help. Early screening is key—knowledge empowers men to take action.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for sharing your insights on men’s health and the critical fight against prostate cancer. Your expertise emphasizes the importance of action, awareness, and education in saving lives.
**Dr. Jensen:** Thank you for the opportunity. Let’s continue to advocate for men’s health together!
