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7 min read
Emily Ledger
Movember is a month-long awareness and fundraising campaign that runs the course of November. During the event, men grow a moustache for 30 days and their friends and family are encouraged to donate to their efforts. The money raised by the campaign is used to fund global projects, “engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change.”
Men and women can also take part in Movember by getting active by walking 60km throughout the month or hosting fundraising events. The campaign aims to raise awareness for all men’s health issues, such as those we will cover in this article. Since its launch in 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects men and people with male reproductive organs. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is an organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is only found in males.
There are several types of prostate cancer, almost all of which are adenocarcinomas. Less common types of prostate cancer include:
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms and is usually found through screening; however, in the later stages, the disease can be associated with several symptoms, including problems urinating and getting an erection, loss of bladder or bowel control, weight loss, and fatigue.
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the age and overall health of the patient, and personal preference. Options include radiotherapy, surgery (radical prostatectomy), cryotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer which vary in seriousness; however, most testicular cancers develop in germ cells. It is also common for testicular cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
It is unknown what causes testicular cancer, but some factors may increase the risk of developing it. These can include, having undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), the presence of abnormal cells in the testicles, abnormalities of the penis or urethra, and a family history of the disease.
Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:
Again, treatment for testicular cancer can be dependent on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. Patients with testicular cancer may be offered chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries to remove the testicles and lymph nodes that may be affected.
Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly available for the treatment of a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including those associated with cancer, or the traditional approaches used to treat it.
While some of this research has found that cannabinoids may promote cell proliferation (death) and stop cells from dividing or developing in new blood vessels, which could suggest their potential to prevent the spread of cancerous cells, medical cannabis is not considered a suitable treatment - nor is it a cure - for cancer itself. Much of this research is still in its early stages, and more human clinical trials are needed to better understand this potential.
More robust evidence shows medical cannabis can be useful in the management and treatment of cancer associated symptoms, including cancer-related pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
And, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also states that Nabilone - a synthetic cannabinoid - can be considered by the NHS in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
In recent years, mental health problems have become increasingly prominent in all sections of society; however, research shows that men are less likely to talk about their mental health, often leading them to suffer in silence.
According to NHS data, 12.5% of men in the UK have a mental health disorder. Moreover, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Raising awareness around these issues is crucial in addressing men’s mental health and aiding suicide prevention.
The most common mental health conditions in the UK are anxiety and depression. These conditions can occur together (mixed anxiety and depression) or alone.
While conventional treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiety and antidepressants for depression can be effective, they can also be associated with unwanted side effects. For these reasons, many people with these conditions turn to alternative therapies, including medical cannabis.
Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant have been found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a system that influences a number of processes, including mood. Some studies indicate that these interactions may be useful for regulating anxiety, with a growing body of clinical and observational evidence seeming to support this.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients with anxiety disorders when conventional therapies have failed to yield a significant response.
“In just one month of treatment with medical cannabis, I can already feel the positive changes. I don't feel introverted any more, and I don't feel like I need to close myself off and crawl into a hole in the ground. I'm starting to feel like myself, and I just want to get out and be around people again. “
The ECS’s role in mood may also present a target for treatments of depression - a condition and symptom that causes persistent low mood. Moreover, research shows that cannabis use is relatively prevalent among individuals with depression - in 2019, over a third of medical cannabis patients in the UK were treating this condition/symptom. Several studies have explored this potential, including a 2022 analysis which suggests medical cannabis treatment may be associated with improvements in depression severity.
Movember is a time for coming together to raise awareness for important health issues facing men around the world. Tackling these issues can involve a wide range of approaches, and in some cases, medical cannabis may be an option.
Medical cannabis can now be prescribed for a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is important to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional who can help you consider your options.
If you’re wondering how to support men’s mental health and physical well-being this Movember, visit their website to find out how you can get involved.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Emily, an accomplished content writer with a specialisation in cannabis and alternative health, leverages her five years in the sector to enhance education and diminish stigma around medicinal cannabis use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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It’s Men’s Health Week - an annual week-long event that aims to raise awareness about the health challenges faced by men. As organisations from across the country come together to provide relevant information and improve access to vital health services for boys and men in the UK, we’re taking a closer look at the role of mental health charities in providing these services and improving men’s mental health.
Emily Ledger
Men’s Health Week is an annual international initiative aimed at providing awareness and education on health issues specific to men. The week serves as an important reminder for men to prioritise their health and well-being while also opening up an avenue of conversation where men can feel comfortable discussing their health concerns without any fear of judgement.
Sam North
As part of our Experts explain series, we sat down with Dr Sue Clenton, an expert Oncologist and Specialist Consultant at Releaf, to speak about medical cannabis treatments and chronic pain.
Lucy MacKinnon
Mental health is something that affects everyone, it’s something each individual in society has - all year round. But, this week, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Between the 13th and 19th of May, an extra effort is made to discuss the importance of mental health and how we can take care of it. And we wanted to join suit.
Lucy MacKinnon
