Commentary
Happy Movember!
- by Max Kalehoff , November 27, 2012
My uncle died a few years ago from prostate cancer, which appeared out of nowhere.
That’s why one of my favorite “viral” Internet sensations is Movember, a global
campaign to raise funds and awareness for male cancer research.
Each year, millions participate in support of daring men who start clean-shaven on Nov.1 and dedicate the rest of the month
to growing a moustache and getting others involved in this good cause.
It’s the only time of year when I can get away (at work and at home) with a nasty truck-driver mo and a
cowboy hat. And if you create a team (as we did at Syncapse), Movember is a great way to drive camaraderie among friends and coworkers around the globe.
Before my uncle died, he urged me
to get tested early and often. Prostate cancer runs in my family, as evidenced by his suffering. Given his smoking, he should’ve died of lung cancer instead.
Second, he
would’ve had a fighting chance had he gone to the doctor and gotten himself checked out more frequently. This behavior makes him typical of many men, and underscores why education and awareness
is perhaps equally as important as finding cures.
If you are thinking of giving this holiday season, please consider donating to my Movember
campaign. There’s a secure online form that takes 60 seconds to complete -- even a few dollars would make a difference. If not mine, then consider donating to the Movember campaign of
someone else you know.
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You have a few more days.
Happy Movember!
It's a common misconception, repeated in this story, that smoking is linked primarily to lung cancer. In fact, smoking is also linked to aggressive prostate cancer, as well as most other cancers. Yes, get a check-up, but also stop smoking, however you can.
Good point Douglas. Another fact which may not be stated enough: smokers benefit from stopping smoking no matter how old they are or how long they have smoked. Even if you are 70 and have smoked since you're 20, stopping today greatly increases your chances of making it to 80. In other words it is never too late to stop smoking.
Max - great to see the plug for Movember, such an important movement for two cancers that get almost no press and kills as men as breast cancer does women! Personally, my Mo is pretty pathetic, but it certainly gets people to donate...mostly as an incentive to shave it off this weekend. Thanks!