Thursday, 2 November 2023

 Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:51): Movember is here, and I am growing a mo again as I raise funds and awareness for men’s health. So when you see that weird thing taking shape on my upper lip again over the next month, it is not for fun, although I am sure everyone will get a lot of enjoyment out of it and a lot of laughs. It is to raise funds that will help with game-changing work in men’s mental health, medical research and groundbreaking tests and treatment for prostate cancer and testicular cancer. It is also about raising awareness of men’s health issues and the importance of reaching out for help when you need it. Men are dying on average 4½ years earlier than women and largely for preventable reasons. A growing number of men, around 10.8 million globally, are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men, and across the world one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69 per cent of all suicides. Movember has prompted billions of conversations about men’s health and encouraged men to understand the health risks they face, talk more openly about their health and take action when necessary.

This is the fourth time I will have taken part in Movember as I attempt to grow a mo for the cause, much to the amusement of many and of course with the permission of my wife. We can all take action to live healthier, happier and longer lives, and we all have a role to play in raising awareness about these important issues so that our fathers, brothers, sons and partners are not facing a health crisis that is not being talked about and so that they are not dying too young, long before their time. So please support and participate in Movember efforts whichever way you can.