By Movember is making a big splash today as men around the world begin to grow their moustaches to raise money for testicular and prostate cancer initiatives and men’s mental health awareness. 
'Tache-tastic! Over a million moustaches have been grown for male cancer awareness thanks to Movember
But the serious message behind the fun is more important than ever, as it’s been revealed men are still in the dark about their health.
Though many are growing a ‘tache for it, it’s been revealed that almost half of British men don’t know where their prostate actually is, and even fewer (69 per cent) know what it does.
It’s a common joke that men hate to visit the doctor, but according to a study commissioned pre-Movember just 24 per cent of men regularly visit their GP.
What’s more, a whopping 98 per cent admitted they wouldn’t discuss health worries with a male friend.
The figures mean the Movember campaign is more important than ever, with hopes that it’ll help raise awareness as to exactly what men should be checking for so they can get live-saving treatment early.
So men listen up, if you’re still in the dark about your prostate – here are the five essentials you need to know about prostate cancer awareness:
What is the prostate gland? The prostate gland’s primary function is to make semen (which is why women don’t have one). It’s the size of a walnut and sits underneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube through which men pass urine.
Why is it so important to know the signs of prostate cancer? Cancer of the prostate is the most common male specific cancer in the UK. It can be slow developing initially, with no symptoms, or it can be more aggressive and need urgent treatment.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Symptoms include needing to wee more often, a weak flow during urination, a feeling that your bladder isn’t empty after going, difficulty passing urine, dribbling urine and sudden need to rush to the loo.
Who is at risk? Young men are at a lower risk as the average age of diagnosis is between 70 and 74. But there is some evidence to suggest a diet full of fruit and veg and low in red meat could help reduce your risk of developing the disease. High blood pressure has been liked to a higher risk of dying from the disease too, so early diagnosis is vital.
What should I be doing? The most important thing is regular checkups, which enable doctors to pick up on diseases early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Tweet us a pic of your (or your partner’s) mo @YLifestyleUK using the tag #YMo. There’s a handful of mini Green & Blacks in it for the best ‘tache!
