Brandon University to tackle testicular cancer with Movember campaign

BRANDON – Brandon University is encouraging staff and students to sprout a new look up top while also checking what’s down below in a month-long Movember promotion to raise awareness for testicular cancer and other men’s health needs.

Movember is an annual global campaign to support men’s health initiatives through November, and is best known for the challenge to grow a moustache (or ‘mo’) all month long.

Brandon University is encouraging everyone to grow moustaches if they are able, to support friends, classmates or colleagues who are growing moustaches, and to post enthusiastic in-progress photos on social media as we search for BU’s best moustache. Winners will receive a gift certificate for a straight razor shave.

The university will also be sharing information about men’s health challenges, with many posters already up around campus encouraging men to talk about mental health and health in general.

BU’s initiative this year will put a particular focus on testicular cancer, the most common form of cancer in Canadian men aged 15–29. Testicular cancer also one of the most curable cancers if it is caught early enough, usually through self-examination. However, otherwise healthy young men may be less likely to seek regular medical checkups. Embarrassment and stigma also prevent many from talking about their testicles, or knowing how and how often to check them.

Other Movember-related happenings are scheduled all month long on campus, and it’s easy for everyone to get involved.

• Learn more about Movember at Movember.com
• Learn more about testicular cancer at the Testicular Cancer Canada website, which includes a self-examination guide, It’s Time To Touch Yourself.
• Share your moustache-in-progress: Take a selfie with your ’stache and show it off on social. Tag @BrandonUni on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and remember to use the #IamBU hashtag. Best moustaches at the end of the month will be eligible for prizes.

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