The Movember Experience.
And fighting back against cancer.
Cancer sucks.
An enemy which takes no quarter, makes no distinction nor cares for the pain, in various ways, it cruelly inflicts.
Such simplicity though, in that respect, provides a certain clarity: you fight back and fight back hard.
And in that spirit, cancer-prevention and awareness programs then have become staples of healthcare initiatives around the world.
From individual months dedicated to a particular cause (October, notably, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month) to the work done through the tireless efforts of charities, fundraisers and all those on the ground level. Since 1981, Canada’s Terry Fox Foundation, for one, estimates they have raised some $900 million dollars for cancer research.
Movember is another such initiative.
It began in Australia, in the early 2000s and by the end of the decade, it had spread worldwide. The program’s purpose, plainly stated, was simple. To raise awareness for men’s health issues, though with a particular focus on cancer - specifically, prostate and testicular.
The catch?
In working to garner that support, one has to grow it loud and wear it proud: that being, a moustache (as you can see above).
And while raising awareness and money on a base level is super important of course, cancer prevention is something that has always hit a little closer to home: not just for men’s cancer but in general.
Though I’ve never had cancer myself, I do have Lynch Syndrome. It is a genetic, hereditary condition that makes me inherently more susceptible to virtually all possible cancers, colon cancer especially - and I’ve seen far too many family members, immediate and extended, through this predisposition, lose their lives or be forced to fight this terrible disease.
But prevention, as uncomfortable as it makes us, can make a world a difference.
And I get it, I do.
Talking about our bodies in such an intimate capacity, for many, amongst our families, even our doctors, can be super awkward and if you can avoid it, you will.
But cancer is unforgiving and dark.
Cancer is brutal.
Cancer doesn’t care if you’re self-conscious.
Most people won’t begin considering colonoscopies and possibly gastroscopies until well into middle age but given my personal genetics? Since my late teens, I’ve been proactive - I’ve had to be.
Now, of course, one experience should not and does not constitute an absolute.
Every person, every individual, should have total autonomy over their body and medical decisions, of that, there should be no debate.
Hesitancy though, doubt, embarrassment, they don’t serve anyone effectively when it comes to awareness or prevention, when looking to keep not just others, loved ones healthy for as long as possible but yourself too.
We all want, wish and strive to live our lives to the fullest, however such a distinction applies. To go through each day without regret or worry, no, that won’t always be the case. But knowing a simple conversation with one’s doctor or other trusted medical professional could not just safeguard one’s life but save it?
Well, you can’t argue with that.
As the Off-Balance community has gone global, if you’re considering donating to the Movember initiative, below, you’ll find corresponding links depending on your region of the world:
One more thing though, before I let you go.
Fighting back against cancer, for everyone, is a noble pursuit yes but it shouldn’t stop there.
Even as a Canadian, I watched the recent US election closely. And with the results it bore, it seems that women’s rights, particularly reproductive rights, are once more in jeopardy.
We can, we must, do better.
Bodily autonomy, for all people is an essential human right and we must do everything we can to protect it.
Thank you for reading. If you’re looking to subscribe (for free) and become part of the growing Off-Balance community, you can do so by simply typing your email into the box below.
Until next time.
Ryan.
Thank you for your advocacy work Ryan! Nice stache!!
Well said Ryan!