BCHC’s Registration Now Open For “Movember”

November, coined Movember, is the month of the mustache with the focus on men’s health. This November will mark Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s [BCHC] fifth year participating in this worldwide event.

Movember began in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, with 30 men, or MoBros, growing moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness. Since then, Movember, through the power of the mustache, has grown into a force with over four million MoBros raising hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre became a Movember approved establishment in 2010.

Movember raises awareness around the different cancer risks for men. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 35 years. The cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumor that can develop in one or both testicles.

Testicular cancer is a highly treatable type of cancer with a cure rate of around 95% if found and treated early. A man’s lifetime risk of having testicular cancer is about 1 in 270.

Prostate cancer is another cancer common to men. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime making it the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer. Black men are 60% more likely than white men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

It is recommended that men begin having discussions with their doctors at the age of 45. Understanding the risks and paying attention to early symptoms such as frequent urination or the need to urinate at night may be early indicators that every man should speak to their doctor about.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre provides access to a free comprehensive library, including books, dvds and internet services. The Centre also provides access to Cancer Information Specialists through our partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Service.

Bermuda residents can dial a local number – 232-2247 – and they will be connected with a cancer information specialist in Ontario who can help answer any questions they, loved ones or care givers may have about cancer.

The service is completely confidential and Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre cover 100% of the cost of this support service. Call 236-1001 to learn more.

Tara Soares, Executive Director of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre commented, “Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is committed to enhancing support and providing access for cancer and disease detection for the health of both women and men in the Bermuda community.

“Since 2010, a total of $329,000 has been raised locally through the Movember programme.”

“All funds raised remain in Bermuda and are used to support local men’s health programmes and services. We are looking for MoBros to take action by signing up and growing a moustache for the 30 days of Movember.

“MoSistas can also sign up and commit to supporting the men in their lives while helping to promote men’s health at home, in the workplace and within their community.”

All funds raised support the Centre’s charitable outreach initiatives around men’s health. In June, 2013, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre hosted its 2nd Annual Men’s Health Fair.

“The Health Fair provides men with access to many supporting health services and physicians. Hundreds of men have benefitted from this annual programme and Movember funding covers 100% of the cost of this fair.

“Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre also offers clinical services for men who may need a bone density assessment, testicular ultrasound or a prostate biopsy. For those who are not covered by health insurance or are unable to pay, the Centre will cover the costs of these important detection tests using Movember funding.

“Participation is easy. Simply visit Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre website and sign up to be a MoBro. Each MoBro must begin November 1 with a clean shaven face.

“For the entire month of Movember, each MoBro must grow and groom a mustache. Have friends, relatives or organisations go online and make pledges.

“On November 29, the Centre will host a celebration at Flanagan’s at 6:00pm to award the best mustaches in various categories. There will be lots of great prizes, and the Cutting Room will be available to volunteer their shaving services!

“Movember is about bringing back the mustache, having fun while changing the face of men’s health. Registration is now open for Movember. Register online at today.”

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