Over the past month you may have noticed an increase in facial hair on campus. That’s because the whole of November has become a month dedicated to raising awareness for issues surrounding men’s health.
The goal is to not shave for a month and to grow the best moustache you can, hence the name Movember.
STUSU has endorsed a party hosted by Holy Cross House, the proceeds of which will go to the Movember Organization.
But for some Movember is more than just a chance to grow silly facial hair. Third-year journalism student Nathan DeLong has a personal connection, his grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“He was diagnosed four years ago, at 75,” said DeLong. “He was told at the time that for a 75 year old man surgery and treatment, radiation may be too risky for a man his age. He was told those were his options, as well as just monitoring it every few months, because it wasn’t really bothering him. It hasn’t been since then. Touch wood, he’s made it to 79. He’s made it that far, since being diagnosed. It doesn’t seem to be getting any larger.”
“He was told by a specialist when he was diagnosed that he could live out the rest of his days and this might not be what takes him,” said DeLong.
For DeLong, the most important part of Movember is raising awareness over diseases people otherwise might not talk about.
“There is all kind of talk surrounding women’s health,” said DeLong. “There doesn’t seem to be enough talk or awareness around things like prostate cancer, men’s health or mental health. Those aren’t sexy diseases. They’re not things that men like to talk about.”
Prostate cancer isn’t a great diagnosis, but DeLong admits it could be worse.
“We’re fortunate that my grandfather is able to live with this disease, and that it hasn’t been overly aggressive. We are really fortunate that he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia.”
DeLong is a firm believer in Movember and is proud at all the people working to raise awareness.
“It could happen to any of us really. Any of us could be diagnosed. When I see people growing mustaches or not shaving, it definitely does warm my heart.”
