Behavioural Bytes Archives
This Movember, let’s redefine strength by tackling an overlooked issue: men’s health. In South Africa, and globally, too many men fall into a risky pattern of skipping check-ups, staying silent on stress, and ignoring subtle health warnings. The result? Preventable issues—like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges—often go unchecked.
The statistics alone are a wake-up call: in South Africa, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and 1 in 18 will face prostate cancer in their lifetime. These aren’t just numbers; they highlight a behavioural health crisis that needs attention.
But why do men often sideline their health? Behavioural insights and neuroscience offer answers. Many men process information about health differently, often focusing more on immediate risks than long-term consequences—a phenomenon known as temporal discounting. This can mean that the “it won’t happen to me” mindset takes over, causing men to delay or avoid preventive care.
Peer norms play a role, too: studies show men are often more influenced by their friends’ behaviours and opinions when it comes to health. If social circles normalise avoiding the doctor or dismissing mental health concerns, these behaviours become barriers to seeking care.
High testosterone levels may also contribute, as they’re linked to competitive behaviour and risk-taking, which can make men more likely to downplay health concerns as something to “push through” or “deal with alone.”
This mindset, however, reinforces harmful stereotypes of masculinity, often leading to silence rather than support.
Movember is a powerful nudge to break these patterns. By encouraging men to grow a moustache, campaigns like CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa and Movember help reshape the conversation on men’s health, making it more visible, approachable, and even socially encouraged. The moustache becomes a prompt—a friendly reminder that health should be a priority and that self-care is a sign of strength, not weakness. This Movember, let’s make an impact. Encourage the men in your life to get that overdue check-up, talk openly about what’s weighing on them, and embrace the idea that real resilience is found in self-care.
Join the movement, grow a moustache, or simply share this message. Every action is a step toward changing the way we see men’s health—ensuring no one has to go it alone. Grow a snor and know what it’s for!
