By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Movember is an important global movement that raises awareness about men’s health, with a particular focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. While the campaign is well-known, there still exists a strong stigma surrounding men’s health issues, especially when it comes to seeking help or discussing health concerns openly. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Health in Mauritius, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, accounting for 20% of all cancers diagnosed in men, with 261 new cases that year alone.
Additionally, a 2023 article by WHO Africa revealed that around 18.7% of men suffer from prostate cancer across the continent. Despite these concerning statistics, many men continue to face stigma and barriers when it comes to their health.
To understand the depth of this stigma and the role that health professionals play in breaking it down, we spoke with Dr Meagan Lewis, a health coach with LetsBe. Dr Lewis shares insights into the barriers men face in taking charge of their health, the importance of early detection, and how initiatives like Movember can contribute to changing perceptions.
The stigma around men’s health
When discussing why men’s health is often overshadowed by societal pressures, Dr Lewis pointed to the expectations surrounding masculinity. “I believe men (in general) have pressure to subscribe to societal expectations of ‘masculinity’ which actively discourages men from seeking help and appearing vulnerable. A lack of understanding of common men’s health issues, I believe, compounds all the above.”
This societal pressure often results in men avoiding conversations about their health, especially when it comes to conditions like prostate and testicular cancer. Dr Lewis explains how these attitudes influence health outcomes: “Men may be less likely to seek medical attention until symptoms become severe, or they may ignore warning signs altogether because of fear or embarrassment.”
She further explains that breaking the stigma requires a shift in how men view their health and well-being, emphasising that it’s crucial to normalise discussions around men’s health.
The role of healthcare providers in breaking barriers
As a healthcare provider, Dr Lewis believes that doctors have a vital role to play in making men feel comfortable addressing their health concerns. “As doctors, the body is our work, it’s all science to us and no area is taboo or embarrassing. This is why I feel it is the doctor’s duty to broach these potentially awkward topics first. Open the conversation,” she says.
However, she adds that it’s important for healthcare professionals to approach sensitive topics with empathy and understanding. “It is imperative that the healthcare professional is sensitive to a patient’s reservations to enable the establishment of trust, which is the first step in creating a healthcare alliance. A healthcare alliance lends itself to open dialogue. Open dialogue will lead to patient education which can then spread to family members/friends, etc.”
Creating a space where men can feel comfortable discussing their health issues is crucial. Trust is the foundation of this, and once that bond is established, it becomes easier for men to open up and take control of their health.
Early detection and preventative measures
Prostate and testicular cancers are some of the most common cancers among men. However, many cases are preventable or can be treated more successfully if caught early. Dr Lewis stresses the importance of screenings, especially for prostate cancer, which often doesn’t present symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. “Rather than signs and symptoms, I encourage people to rather learn about screening and its importance. If a patient learns signs and symptoms, it can create a sense of complacence and so many cases of prostate cancer are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. Once signs and symptoms have manifested, there is a higher chance the cancer is advanced,” she explains.
She also points out that early detection is key to survival, with five-year survival rates for prostate cancer at over 95% when detected early. “When detected early, 5-year survival is upwards of 95% compared to late detection which is less than 30%. Statistics that came out of the USA found that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Screening is not isolated to just a rectal exam but should include a blood test called a PSA too (prostate-specific antigen).”
For those with a family history of prostate cancer, Dr Lewis advises that testing may need to start earlier or be done more frequently. Similarly, for testicular cancer, which predominantly affects younger men, she emphasises the importance of self-examination. “Men from the age of 15 should start regular self-examination and it’s very sad that most don’t. Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men and it has a very high pick-up rate with regular self-examination. Self-examination is best done monthly in the shower with some soap and firm but gentle pressure looking for pain or lumps.”
She encourages men to familiarise themselves with their own bodies, saying, “Knowing your normal makes it much easier to pick up a deviation from that.”
In addition to regular screenings, Dr Lewis advises men to adopt healthier lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases. “Maintaining a healthy ‘anti-inflammatory’ diet, incorporating exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption may not prevent the risk but equips the body to fight any insults or diseases better. And although it seems like doctors are saying this on a loop, it’s because it’s true!” she says.
The power of Movember in raising awareness
Dr Lewis highlights the importance of initiatives like the Movember campaign in raising awareness about men’s health, particularly in communities where these topics may not be openly discussed. She believes Movember is an ideal platform to break the silence around men’s health issues. “Movember should be rivalling Pink October as far as publicity goes. It is a clever campaign which I believe appeals to men as it creates awareness in such a way that also encourages male camaraderie. I believe this campaign doesn’t have enough momentum in Mauritius and I hope this will change. I believe the only way to do this is to normalise these topics and encourage education.”
Movember’s approach to spreading awareness—through both fundraising and the promotion of open conversations—is key to its success. Dr Lewis sees it as a means for men to support each other while also learning more about their health. “Getting a group together at work, inviting someone to give an educational talk, doing some reading or even just initiating a conversation is very meaningful,” she says.
The campaign also provides an opportunity for men to engage in meaningful activities that support not only their own health but also the health of others. “I think it’s personal as to what someone wants to do, not a one-size-fits-all. It can be as simple as starting a conversation about men’s health or donating to a cause,” Dr Lewis adds.
Empowering men through health education
Health literacy is another crucial factor in improving men’s health outcomes. According to Dr Lewis, many men lack basic knowledge about their own bodies and the conditions that affect them, such as prostate and testicular cancer. “It is frankly quite shocking to see the lack of knowledge of the male anatomy/physiology,” she says.
She explains that when men understand their bodies better, they become more confident in seeking help and managing their health. “If a patient knows the basics of, for example, the prostate’s location and function, symptoms make sense, the dreaded rectal exam makes sense, and fear/mystery disappears.”
Dr Lewis believes that this kind of education can significantly improve compliance with treatment and management of conditions. “For my patients, I like to explain the basics of a condition and the area it involves, and I really do believe compliance to treatment and the management of a condition improves as a result,” she concludes.
The stigma surrounding men’s health is deeply ingrained in many societies, making it difficult for men to seek help and discuss health concerns openly. However, as Dr Meagan Lewis explains, breaking down these barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including normalising discussions, encouraging early detection, and increasing health literacy. Campaigns like Movember play a crucial role in this process, providing men with the opportunity to raise awareness, take action, and support one another in their health journeys. By empowering men to take charge of their health, we can help ensure that they live longer, healthier lives.
