Last year we were competing on the land and sea during a weekend-long series of events to raise awareness and funds for men’s health for Movember // Knots for Nuts. Since we had to postpone this year’s competition until 2021, here are a few highlights from last year!
Now, let’s talk about men’s health — Mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
About Movember
The Movember Foundation is a global organization that is “changing the face of men’s health” and here’s why—
Globally, men die on average six years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable.
Unchecked, prostate cancer rates will double over the next 15 years.
Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15-39 years of age.
And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides.
SOURCE: Movember Foundation
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer diagnosed in men in the Virgin Islands totaling approx. 30% of USVI cancer cases.
Men who are of African or Caribbean descent and/or have a family history (a brother or father with prostate cancer), are 2.5X MORE LIKELY to get prostate cancer. If you meet this criteria, at 45 you should have a conversation with your doctor about PSA testing. This is a simple routine blood test that checks for levels of Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood.
Read about the signs and symptoms from ACS
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young american men. It affects men of all ages, however about half of testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34. Caucasian men and those with a family history of testicular cancer are at higher risk of developing this disease.
Just as women are advised to give themselves monthly breast self exams, men should be giving themselves regular testicular exams. Men, if you notice a change in size, feel a lump or have pain — it is time to go see your doctor.
Cy’s Story
Cy Thompson grew up here in St. Thomas, USVI. As an avid sailor and athlete, he always led an active and healthy lifestyle. Being diagnosed with testicular cancer before the age of 30 was the last thing he expected. With the need for continued monitoring, every three to four months he travels to Johns Hopkins for follow up appointments. Despite everything he continues to be bold, brave, courageous and proceeds to build a life here in the VI with his entrepreneurial spirit. He owns Fun Hog Charters, is a partner in VI Eco Blasters and has another business in the works.
“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer three years ago at the age of 29 and after surgery that has a 90% cure rate, I found out in September 2019 that lymph nodes in my lower abdomen had been compromised. I went through a major operation a month later at John Hopkins hospital. In February of this year I went for my post surgery visit which proved inconclusive. In the early stages of covid, when you couldn’t fly, I had to skip a visit and do my testing down here.
My main challenge would be the mental aspect of it all. I hope for the best but always prepare for the worst. Every 4 months I have to constantly think of the possibility of life changing diagnosis. I fully believe that at some point I’ll be going through Chemo. I’m always trying to save money in case things go south, but also try to move forward on my house, and life. This is not what I imagined my life to be at 32 years old but I am lucky to be surrounded with a loving family and great friends. I am also very appreciative of the support from Cancer Support VI as I am navigating these next steps towards a cancer free diagnosis.”