Why men grow moustaches in November
Every year in November, men around the world can be seen sporting new moustaches. This Health Tip explains what moustaches have to do with prostate cancer and "Movember".
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.Men should have regular check-ups from the age of 50, even if they don't have any symptoms. Dr Silke Schmitt Oggier, Medical Director at santé24
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
Have you been having problems when urinating? Perhaps you're undecided about whether to see your doctor or try a home remedy? SWICA's BENECURA app is designed to assist if you feel unwell. SWICA customers can use the SymptomCheck feature of the BENECURA app, which was developed by doctors, to obtain information easily, quickly and reliably and immediately receive a personal recommendation about what to do next.24.11.2021
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
