Why men grow moustaches in November

Prostate cancer is the commonest form of cancer in Swiss men, affecting around 6,400 of them annually, according to statistics from the Swiss Cancer League (in German). But why does this prompt men to grow hair on their face?

A sign for men's health

The word "Movember" is a combination of "moustache" and "November". The campaign, which began in Australia in 2003, aims to get men around the world to grow a moustache as a way of raising awareness of prostate cancer and other men's health issues during this month. The idea is to raise money for research into this disease and reduce its incidence.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The prostate is located underneath the bladder and is part of the internal male genitalia. It also plays a role in the production of seminal fluid. Since the prostate is directly underneath the bladder, associated symptoms or illnesses can be extremely difficult to detect. Prostate cancer can also remain at an early stage for a long time, sometimes for years, without producing any symptoms. That's why it's so important for the attending physician to know the history of the patient's male relatives and to carry out regular preventive check-ups. "Men should have regular check-ups from the age of 50, even if they don't have any symptoms – especially if someone in their family has had prostate cancer or died from it," says Dr Silke Schmitt Oggier, Medical Director at santé24.

Treatment

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, doctors have a range of treatment options which can be administered in combination or in sequence. The decision on which treatment to adopt depends primarily on the malignancy of the cancer and the ten-year survival rate based on the patient's age and medical history. As with many cancers, it is also possible to remove the tumour surgically. But surgery may result in incontinence and/or impotence, which is why only specialised medical centres should carry out these procedures. It may also make sense to consider other options (e.g. radiation therapy) depending on the diagnosis and the patient's wishes.

For more information as well as facts and figures about prostate cancer, see the website of the Swiss Cancer League (in German) or visit ch.movember.com.

SWICA Benecura

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24.11.2021