Network Calls for Focus on Male Health Issues

WASHINGTON 
Men’s Health Network (MHN) is joining organizations and communities across the country in April to recognize Testicular Cancer Awareness Month as part of its pledge to advocate for the health and wellness of men and their families.

 Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged between 15 and 35 years old and has one of the highest survival rates if found early. That’s what makes prevention techniques and overall awareness critically important.

“Testicular cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer in young men and boys but remains a very treatable cancer,” said Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES, Vice President at MHN. “That is why awareness is essential in reaching younger men who may not receive cancer prevention messages and educate them about the importance of early detection.”

The TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth.com website helps educate people about risk factors, warning signs, and treatment options for the disease. The site offers videos, a social media toolkit, downloadable brochures, research articles, and examples of awareness activities to turn a difficult-to-discuss problem into an interactive and easier-to-approach learning experience.

MHN and its partner organizations are urging men to take a more active role in their health and be aware of how to screen for testicular cancer.

“Early detection for testicular cancer is absolutely critical. Many years of life from too many men and boys have been lost because of this disease,” said Dr. Michael J. Rovito, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida and Founder of Men’s Health Initiative, Inc., “It’s time males became more aware of the risks and began to take action to become familiar with their bodies.”

Rovito further suggested that “males should perform testicular self-examination monthly to monitor if anything abnormal develops. If something out of the ordinary is discovered, males should speak to their healthcare provider immediately.”

Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork. For more information on MHN’s ongoing Dialogue on Men’s Health series, visit www.dialogueonmenshealth.com