“It’s ok to seek help”

“There is an ongoing struggle to get men involved in their health care and we are still trying to work out how we get men to seek help,” Dr Ayon said.

“Across the board we have been looking into working out a communication style that gets through to men of all walks of life.

“Movember has been a fantastic movement. For the last five years especially, it has changed the perception of men seeking help.

“It has made a big impact and continues to have an impact especially during November.

“We see the numbers of men visiting the medical clinic greatly increase throughout the month of November as the message is more prevalent then, but also leading into Christmas and the new year the numbers remain relatively high.

“However, this is still not enough. Men need to release the stigma that going to the doctor may be a ‘bad thing’ and realise that it is for their good.”

With Movember focussing on men’s mental health, high suicide rates, prostate and testicular cancer, Dr Ayon and health professionals across Australia and the globe are advising that many of these illnesses do not have a prevention, but self-awareness, testing and seeking professional help can lessen the risk.

“Prostate cancer is the biggest concern in the area with men over the age of 60 being the highest group to receive a prostate cancer prognosis, and cases keep increasing,” Dr Ayon said.

“There has been research done in the past and there would be some being conducted currently on why the numbers seem to be steadily increasing especially in our area of the world, but we do not know of any particular reasons.

“There are no proven prevention measures against prostate cancer but improving your diet by reducing fat intake and eating more fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, increasing vitamin d and remaining sexually active can reduce the risk.

“In terms of testicular cancer, we are not seeing many cases being diagnosed in our region but that does not mean it is not occurring and men should still be aware of their risks.

“Testicular cancer is the second most common, after skin cancer, in men aged 18–39 and is the world’s most common cancer among men aged 15 – 39.

“The exact cause is unknown, but our advice is from puberty onwards, men should examine their testicles to work out what feels normal for them.

“Mental health is also definitely on the rise. There is not as many men opening up about the mental health issues they are having as there should be.

“Regardless of age, males tend to eventually listen to the females in their lives.

“Males from early adults to middle ages listen to their partners. Older men listen to their daughters.

“There is something here for women to assist. Women need to keep pushing, because that is where men will eventually listen.”

Dr Ayon reiterated that the message to men is simple.

“The main message is that it’s ok to seek help,” Dr Ayon said.

“The Yarrawonga Medical Clinic are making it easier for working males to come to the doctor. Having later opening hours allows men to come in and get a check-up after work.

“GPs are a friendly bunch – there is always one available and we can assist in any health issues you may be having.

“Just come and see us to be the best and healthiest man you can be.”