June — the month when Father’s Day falls every year — is also officially Men’s Health Month, dedicated to the health of men, the diseases that affect them, and based on the four pillars of awareness, prevention, education and family. Men’s Health Month is anchored by a congressional health education program that takes place across the country through screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.
“The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys,” the Men’s Health Month website explains. “This month gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.”
“The response has been overwhelming, with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe,” the website says.
Prostate cancer is one of the main focuses of Men’s Health Month, since it is the second most common type of cancer among men, right after skin cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 180,890 new cases of prostate cancer are expected this year in the U.S. alone.
However, widespread screenings and preventive campaigns have increased both early diagnosis and survival rates. Men are advised to get regular check-ups, particularly as they get older or if there is family history of prostate cancer. In June, men can also participate in the activities of Men’s Health Month.
Planing a “Wear Blue Day” is one of the options. The initiative consists on choosing a day and a goal amount to raise, and then wearing blue to spread the knowledge of Men’s Health Month and raise funding to fight prostate cancer by selling blue prostate cancer pins. “Or, you could include an educational event, such as a men’s health presentation,” the website says, also suggesting a fun contest for the best blue attire, or a bake sale for donations.
Men can plan a health fair or mini health fair, and the Men’s Health Month organization offers free event planners at www.mhnhealthzone.com.
These fairs can be held anywhere from workplaces to community centers or churches and can be coordinated with health groups. Fundraising for prostate cancer can also be done through a fundraiser for Men’s Health Network (MHN) prostate cancer outreach efforts, a 5K walk in your town, or by putting donation jars at local restaurants or stores.
In addition, men can help create awareness for men’s health by distributing brochures and other Men’s Health Month informational resources; hosting a town hall meeting; asking to talk about Men’s Health Month at churches or other groups; requesting municipal or city government leaders to issue a resolution regarding National Men’s Health Week; alerting the media; inviting community members to participate; and other initiatives. Men can see what others are planning and share their projects here.
Learn more about prostate cancer here.
Prostate Cancer News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.