Grow Your Mo for Ulster Cancer Foundation

But it's not all about the boys - Mo Sistas (ladies who support their guys or just love Mo's!) are also needed to enlist Mo Bros and raise much needed sponsorship.

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF, said, “Cancer continues to have a major impact on the health of men in Northern Ireland - every year about 5,300 men are newly diagnosed and around 2,000 will die from the disease.  However, the good news is that two-thirds of cancers could be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle and it’s never too late for men to start incorporating simple but effective cancer prevention measures into their daily life.“

UCF operates a number of programmes specifically aimed at men and their health. The ‘Man Van’, a mobile unit which operates one-to-one health awareness sessions and health checks for men on their doorstep, is part of UCF’s ManAlive Project.  Staffed by a UCF Health Promotion Nurse and Senior Cancer Prevention Staff, the vehicle tours rural areas providing on-the-spot cancer prevention information and referral and sign posting opportunities to reduce men’s risk of cancer and to improve their overall health.

 Men calling at the ‘Man Van’ can get advice on body composition, weight management, stopping smoking, care in the sun and early detection. There are also free health checks including cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose tests.

 UCF’s cancer prevention team also takes its Male Quick Fit scheme into  workplaces, providing weight and body mass checks,  individually tailored advice and encouragement to men to set their own goals for a healthier lifestyle.

And men are invited to join the charity’s smoking cessation clinics which are held at UCF’s centre at Eglantine Avenue, Belfast, and also in workplaces and at community venues.

Joyce said, “Many cancers such as bowel, skin, prostate and testicular cancer can be treated successfully if diagnosed in the early stages.   But men need to be aware of what to look out for – the warning signs and symptoms.  We hope that men across Northern Ireland will embrace Movember to help raise funds to bring these vital cancer prevention messages to men in your community.”

 If you would like to grow your tash for cash and raise money for UCF, please contact Suzi from UCF’s fundraising team on 028 9068 0746, or email [email protected], for your sponsorship form. Then get your Mo on the go!