The Month of Movember
During the recent world cup, there was lots of discussion in the early stages about the size and shape of the balls and if that affected performances.
But what if your balls changed size or shape? That's right: your balls. Not your rugby balls. Your actual balls. Your knackers. Your bollocks. Your crown jewels. What would that kind of change mean to you? How would it affect your performances “ both on the rugby pitch and ¦ elsewhere?
So you have just realised you have been ambushed. This is not another boring article on kicking like you thought. It is an article that might save your life. Not someone else's life. Your life. Not in 10 years time. Today. You are balls deep in the article now so no point in pulling out! Might as well keep going and see what I've got to say.
This is the first in a short series of articles to coincide with Movember “ an international campaign to raise awareness of men's health issues. I am not a men's health specialist. I am a regular guy “ a rugby player and fan and a new dad. Until a week ago I thought I knew about my health. Turns out “ I was as ignorant as you are now! So I did something about it “ I registered for Movember and the Glasgow MoRun; did some research on men's health issues and I decided to tell people about what I found.
Here's a few things I found out: what are the chances of you getting prostate cancer during your lifetime? 1 in 9! Those are shorter odds than you would have got on France making it to RWC final. But that's not the scary bit. The scary bit is that 30% of the guys that get it “ DIE “ as a result of it.
Let's put that into perspective. Talking Rugby Union has over 2500 followers on Twitter. A great achievement for Garry and his team. Let's say half are men. Based on the stats above, 126 of us will get prostate cancer and 42 of us will be killed by it. If just 60 guys read this article, 6 will get it and 2 will die! What number are you?
I find it baffling that we as rugby players go to great lengths to prevent and recover from injuries, but do very little to identify illnesses that might not just put us out of action for a couple of weeks “ but might kill us.
But here's the good news: there is something you can do. Turns out, it isn't hard. Of course, diet and exercise make a difference and will help prevent the disease. But identifying the cancer early will drastically improve your chances of beating the disease.
Getting yourself checked out is easy: go to the doctor once a year and get a blood test for prostate cancer. Check your balls regularly “ just make sure they haven't changed size or shape and there are no obvious lumps (monthly will make a difference, but why not do it every week?). You could even get your wife/girlfriend/partner to do it. This will help identify testicular cancer early.
If you are struggling to take a piss “ something is wrong. You have either picked up something on tour or you might have prostate, testicular or penile cancer. Either way “ if you don't get it checked, there is a good chance you will die. You might be tough, but you are not tough enough to beat cancer (or syphilis for that matter) if you don't get it checked. So Man Up, Princess! Get to the doctor and get it checked.
In my next article, I will tell you about the great work of Crusaders RFC “ the first global rugby club “ who exist to provide support to rugby players who have had, or have been affected by, Cancer. This isn't a wimpy help group where guys cuddle and shake marracas. Crusaders RFC regularly field vets teams at top rugby events (Melrose 7s for example) and their members and supporters include Chris Cusiter, Phil Vickery and Phil's clothing company Raging Bull. More on Crusaders RFC to come. If you can't wait “ check out their website: www.crusadersrugby.org
Just remember to ask yourself the question: what number are you?
For more information on men's health issues, advice on how to grow a great 'tache and to sign up, go to www.movember.com
