November isn't just about growing facial hair and the changing leaves. It's Movember — a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about men's health. While the Movember Foundation uses the mustache as a fun symbol to spark conversations, the issues being addressed are serious. Fellas, from prostate and testicular cancer to mental health, this November is a good time to take stock of your own wellness and learn what you can do to live a longer, healthier life.

What Is Movember?

Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has challenged men around the world to grow mustaches during November to raise funds and awareness for men's health. What started as a conversation between a few friends in a pub in Melbourne, Australia, has grown into a global movement with millions of supporters. The goal is simple but powerful: to change how we talk about men's health and to inspire men to take action when it comes to their wellness.

The Movember Foundation focuses on three key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. These aren't small issues — they affect millions of men and their families in our communities.

Prostate Cancer: Know Your Risk

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer-related mortality in the United States, with about 288,300 new cases and 34,700 deaths estimated annually. In Texas, a little over 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime per 100,000 men, and nearly 18 in every 100,000 men will die from prostate cancer in Texas. These numbers show why screening matters.

Here's what you should know: Discuss screening with your doctor starting at age 50 — or earlier if you're at higher risk. Screening typically involves a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and possibly a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 should make individual decisions about screening after discussing the benefits and harms with their doctor.

That’s because screening isn't one-size-fits-all. For instance, men 70 and older do not need to be screened as often as younger men. If you're over 40, especially if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American (which carries a higher risk), talk to your doctor about whether screening makes sense for you. What matters most is having an informed conversation with your doctor about your individual risk.

To learn more about prostate cancer, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, read Understanding Prostate Cancer.

Testicular Cancer: Know What to Look For

Unlike prostate cancer, testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 20 to 39 years. The good news? It responds well to treatment when caught early, and can usually be cured even in advanced stages.

Here's what you need to do: If a lump is found in the testicle by the patient or during a routine physical exam, tests may be done to check for cancer. While routine testicular cancer screenings by a doctor aren’t typically recommended, you should perform monthly self-exams and talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual lumps, swelling, or discomfort.

To learn more about testicular cancer, what to look for, and treatment options, read Taking Charge of Your Health: Essential Preventive Screenings for Men.

Mental Health: The Silent Crisis

This is where men's health takes on a different — and deeply serious — shape. Men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the United States, and suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for males aged 10 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here's what makes this even more concerning: Nearly half of those who die by suicide have no known mental health condition, and compared with those with known mental health conditions, those without a prior history of any mental health diagnosis were more likely to be male. This means depression and mental health struggles in men often go unrecognized, undiagnosed and untreated.

Why? Men face unique barriers to mental wellness. Men are often told they're not supposed to cry or show emotions, that they're supposed to be self-reliant and not ask for help, and that any mental illness is a sign of weakness. These cultural expectations make it harder for men to acknowledge when they're struggling and to reach out for support.

The truth is: mental health struggles are real, they're treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness. For more information on this important topic, take a look at Men and Mental Health: How to Recognize When It’s Time to Talk.

What You Can Do Right Now

Guys, November is a good time to get serious about your wellness. Here are practical steps you can take:

Schedule a checkup:

If you're 40 or older and haven't had a recent physical, this is the month to do it. Talk to your doctor about cancer screenings, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health. These conversations matter.

Know your family history:

Cancer risk often runs in families. If your father, brother, or grandfather has had prostate or testicular cancer, make sure your doctor knows. This information helps guide screening decisions.

Check yourself:

Being aware of your body is important. Know what's normal for you, and report any unusual changes to your doctor promptly.

Talk about mental health:

This one's crucial. Start conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about how they're really doing. Listen without judgment. If you're struggling, reach out. Call your doctor, talk to a therapist, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.

Don't skip the preventive care:

Regular visits to your doctor catch problems early when they're easiest to treat. Make your wellness a priority.

Finding Support at Texas Health

Your health care matters. Whether you need a cancer screening, mental health support, or just a regular checkup, we're here to help.

Find a primary care physician who can help you with preventive screenings and overall wellness.

If you're concerned about cancer risk or need screening, explore our cancer care services.

For mental health support, learn about our behavioral health services or speak with your primary care doctor about a referral.

Sources

• Movember Foundation: About Us – Our Cause
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Prostate and Testicular Cancer Epidemiology
• CDC: Prostate Cancer Screening
• CDC: Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?
• National Cancer Institute: Testicular Cancer Screening
• CDC: Suicide Among Males Across the Lifespan
• American Journal of Men's Health: The Crisis in Male Mental Health: A Call to Action
• CDC: Facts About Suicide