• Average life expectancy for men in the UK is almost 4 years less than for women
• Men have 14% higher risk of developing cancer than women and 37% higher risk of dying from it
• Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer in the UK (accounts for 13% of all male cancer deaths)
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 25-49 years old
• 1/8 men are diagnosed with a mental disorder
• 75% of deaths by suicide, are men
• Highest suicide rate is among men aged 30-44

… and some key barriers to doing something about these issues…

• Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
• Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
• Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physical or mentally well
• Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health
• Stigmas surrounding mental health

…so Movember aims to do something about these by raising awareness and encouraging open discussion and taking action, in addition to raising considerable funds for research and treatment.

The response from all walks of life is impressive and within the University there is some great involvement, MOtivated by many things…

Amber Bartlett is a second year French & German student and will be running in the Movember 10k in Bristol on 15th November:

• How did you first hear about Movember?

I first heard about Movember while in Goldney Hall in my first year at University. A few of the guys from different blocks decided to enter as a team for Movember and grow some impressive tashes. One of my flatmates also started it but he looked so creepy with his tash he caved and shaved it off before the end of the month!

• Why did you get involved this year?

I had been wanted to move on from 5ks runs to a 10k for a while and considered doing one whilst on my Year Abroad last year but chickened out due to too much eating and too little exercise! Sadly towards the end of my Year Abroad my Dad’s uncle passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer so when I was researching 10ks in Bristol I thought this would be a good way to commemorate his fight.

• What can Mo Sistas do to help out this Movember?

Just because we lack the physical ability to grow a moustache doesn’t mean we can’t support the cause. Whether that means signing up for a run, sponsoring a Mo Bro or Mo Sista or just talking to people about Movember it’s all important in raising the profile of this fantastic cause.

Check out Amber’s progress at http://uk.movember.com/mospace/9684121

 

Seb Rodrigues, a first year Economics & Management student, has got involved in Movember for the first time and is currently the leading fundraiser in the University:

• How did you first hear about Movember?

Through word of mouth really, quite a long time ago. I think it was in Year 8, when I wondered why my schoolteachers all started looking like they were from the 70s.

• Why did you get involved this year?

I went to a boarding school where they didn’t take too kindly to any form of facial hair. People had asked about Movember but we were never able to do it – so thought I’d start straight away in my first year of ‘freedom’.

• Any fundraising tips for your fellow Movember participants?

Shamelessly abuse your contacts and keep doing so – post a pleading Facebook status to your friends, ask your parents, ask your friends’ parents; and, obviously, ask them all to ask their friends. Most of us are on student budgets, but donating a pint’s value won’t be too much hardship; for us though, it massively adds up.

See how Seb is MO-ing at http://uk.movember.com/mospace/9864181