Men's Health
The Face of Men’s HealthHistorically men have been very poor at looking after their health, especially when compared with the efforts of women who proactively and publicly address their health issues in a way not traditionally seen with men. The result today is that as a general rule men are less healthy than women.
Statistics show that on average men die at a younger age than women – the usual life expectancy for a New Zealand male is currently 78.1 years, compared to the female average of 82.2 years. That said, despite lagging behind the women’s health movement, the tides are beginning to turn and established taboos and barriers relating to men’s health are gradually being broken down.
There is still a way to go to achieve the changes needed. Men still access health services less frequently than women and when they do visit the doctor, they typically present late, thereby denying themselves the chance of early detection and treatment of common diseases. Studies have shown that men don’t get regular health checks for the following reasons:
- Scared it will lead to a hospital visit
- Embarrassed to discuss their health issues
- Find it too hard to see a GP because of limited opening hours
- Just can’t be bothered making an appointment
The reasons for the poor state of men’s health in New Zealand and around the world are numerous and complex but what is known, is that it is mainly due to a lack of awareness. This can largely be attributed to the reluctance of men to openly discuss the subject due to longstanding traditions, coupled with a ‘it'll be alright’ attitude.
Movember aims to change the face of men's health and alter this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on the very serious issue of men’s health. By using the moustache as a catalyst we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to talk about their health with friends and family.
Movember has an interest in all issues relating to men’s health but currently concentrates its efforts in New Zealand on raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Society of New Zealand with a focus on prostate cancer and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and their Out of the Blue depression campaign.
Movember's first campaign objective in New Zealand is to raise awareness of men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. We want everyone to know that men over the age of 50, and those over 40 with a family history, are at risk of prostate cancer and encourage them to be tested annually because it is highly curable if detected and treated early. We want all men experiencing depression to understand it is a disease that they can talk about, and for which they should seek help.
Movember’s aim is to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment as this will ultimately reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer and suicide.
* Information source: New Zealand Ministry of Social Development
