The month of November is dedicated to men’s health, as we know. Despite everything, talking about your privacy is never easy, even when the subject is important. This is why, until November 30, Gustave Roussy invites all men to take up a subject that is still too taboo, without dramatizing. “Take care of your jewelry, they are precious!” a message to convey.
A direct, caring and humorous campaign
Each year, nearly 63,000 new cases of male cancers are diagnosed in France. However, better understanding these diseases and consulting quickly in case of doubt changes everything. With this campaign, Gustave Roussy wants to encourage everyone to pay attention to their health, while taking the drama out of the conversation. And to show your support, nothing could be simpler: growing a mustache or beard becomes a symbolic gesture.
Prostate, testicle, penis: better understanding to better react
Several cancers specifically affect men:
- Prostate cancer is most common after age 50. Often has a good prognosis, however, it requires attention to warning signs or family history;
- Testicular cancer mainly affects young men, between 15 and 35 years old. Very curable, even at the advanced stage, it can be detected early thanks to a simple gesture: monthly self-palpation, a quick reflex which can really make the difference;
- Rarer, penile cancer affects a few hundred men per year, but it could be avoided in many cases thanks to rigorous personal hygiene and vaccination against HPV, involved in certain forms of the disease.
Sexuality and cancer: a necessary conversation
It’s not just cancer, either. There is also the after. Talking about sexuality after testicular, prostate or penile cancer remains difficult for many men. However, it is an essential dimension of quality of life. Concerns about fertility or virility are common, but often unjustified. In the vast majority of cases, a normal sex life is entirely possible after treatment. Solutions exist to overcome possible disorders, whether medical support, rehabilitation exercises or psychosexological support. The main thing is not to be alone and to dare to talk about it with your oncologist.
In November, take a few minutes for yourself!
Ultimately, the spirit of this campaign is simple: to remind people that prevention does not take a lot of time, but can have a huge impact. A self-examination from time to time, a consultation in case of doubt, an open discussion when something worries you… And why not a mustache to start the discussion around you?
Because your jewelry is precious. So take care of it. And talk about it: it’s the best way to break taboos and take charge of your health, literally.
As part of this campaign, 5 videos will be broadcast on social networks during this fortnight, addressing various themes and several events will punctuate these two weeks of campaign:
- Tuesday November 18doctors from the Gustave Roussy genitourinary committee will participate in the traditional La Verticale race, which consists of climbing the 15 floors of the Institute as quickly as possible.
- Tuesday November 25two barbers from L’Atelier Barber d’Ivry-sur-Seine will be present in the lobby of Gustave Roussy from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to trim the beards and mustaches of patients, their loved ones and professionals from the Institute.
- Thursday November 27an information day on male cancers will be held in the Gustave Roussy reception hall, in collaboration with the IPSEN laboratory.