Movember and moustaches have been together since 2003 and the impact on Men's Health has been monumental.
Most importantly, getting men to speak out about their health and raise awareness on sensitive subjects has been enlightening. Crucially Movember unites men across the globe and sharing stories and fundraising can only have a positive impact.
Research continues all the time and Movember is our chance to shout out about it.
In the world of Urology, 2017 saw a big step forward in the prostate cancer diagnosis pathway. The results of the PROMIS trial highlighted the critical success of using mpMRI scanning before biopsy in men suspected with prostate cancer. It's a total game changer in the precision diagnostics and a method that all our consultants at Urology Partners have been using for over 3 years for our patients. We need patients to know that they are all entitled to it. Read more on ensuring you get the most accurate diagnostic in this Daily Mail article
However, the subject of men's prostates is not limited to prostate cancer.
The statistics speak for themselves here and show just how many men are affected by prostate related problems. BUT it's not a subject every man wants to talk about.
Other patients sharing their stories is key to spreading the word and making men feel comfortable talking about it. Our patient testimonials page are real patient stories who want other men to know help is available.
There is no "one treatment fits all" solution to prostate problems and that's why our consultants are always looking for new treatment options which enable greater patient choice.
2017 has also seen 2 new treatments being researched and offered both on the NHS and privately.
Richard Hindley is the first UK surgeon to offer Rezum at North Hampshire Hospital and privately at BMI Hampshire Clinic and the Candover Clinic. This radical new treatment can be done in as little as 10 minutes and involves using steam based water therapy. For further information please visit www.rezum.co.uk or our treatments section. Although in early stages and while data is being collected, we already have some great outcomes for our patients as highlighted in the Daily Mail "Me and My Operation" article in July.
Neil Barber is also delighted to be involved in another novel procedure which he believes is truly "game-changing" in the BPH treatment offerings. Aquablation is currently being offered to patients as part of a 3 year WATER trial. The current 6 month results are indicating outcomes similar to that of TURP and laser treatment but with a far less greater risk of sexual dysfunction and side affects.
It's the continued support and dedication from consultants like Richard and Neil which allow these new treatments to develop and result in patients being able to choose the most suitable treatment with effective results and little time taken out from their daily life.
Movember doesn't just focus on the physical side of men's health but also on the mental health too. So often these can go hand in hand, and in the case of prostate problems, while they can seem insignificant, the impact of sleepless nights with frequent visits to the toilet has a considerable knock on effect on their day to day lives, which can in turn lead to mental health issues such as depression.