Men encouraged to become local growers for November
MEN are being encouraged to embrace their facial hair and give up their razor for the month of November for Male Uprising Guernsey's #BeardUp fundraiser.
For the fourth year running, the local charity is raising money to aid men's health.
This year, the target is to have 500 men take part, raising £20,000 to contribute towards the purchase of a much-needed new state-of-the-art prostate scanner.
In Guernsey, approximately 150 men each year present symptoms or test results which indicate the possibility of prostate cancer.
Of these, 60 men per year receive a positive diagnosis, of which around 16 will die.
The Channel Islands Cancer Report, released in July 2017, highlighted that prostate cancer is the island’s number one cause of cancer death and is the second most common cancer in the island.
The way suspected prostate cancer is investigated has changed significantly in the last 18 months.
Now, with the advancement of magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) technology, studies have shown that a far more accurate way of diagnosing prostate cancer is to perform an MRI scan first, and if this shows an abnormality, then perform a targeted biopsy. As well as being more accurate, there is less risk of serious infection which occurred in 2% of cases under the previous diagnosis method.
Currently in Guernsey, the MRI scan is performed but the MSG does not have the up-to-date biopsy scanner to accurately locate the MRI abnormality for biopsy.
The newer prostate scanner is able to fuse the MRI image onto the biopsy scanner image, allowing an accurate biopsy of the abnormal area. The new equipment will reduce missed cancers and emergency admissions through infections, and patients will not have to travel to the UK for treatment.
This year, the #BeardUp campaign is also introducing three new initiatives, Brilliant Beard Day, Beard Up Barber and Beers for Brilliant Beards.
MUG will once again join up with local barbershop James Bransford, who will be the official Beard Up Barber and support the campaign by offering those who have taken part a wet shave on 29 and 30 November.
The last Friday of the month will see Brilliant Beard Day, encouraging all those taking part to make their beard really stand out - however they choose. This could be with glitter, hair dye or shaping it into a quirky style.
To make the most of everyone’s fabulous facial fuzz, the charity will host a Beers for Brilliant Beards event at James Bransford Barber Shop on Fountain Street on Friday 29 November where all those who took part can meet their bearded comrades over a beer.
During the event, the charity will announce who won the Dan Smale and Lee Hope trophies for individual and corporate fundraisers of 2019.
The charity asks individuals to pay a £20 participation donation, while businesses can get their whole team involved for £250.
Participants will be encouraged to post their pictures on the Male Uprising Guernsey Facebook page using the #BeardUp.
MUG member Gavin Ferguson said: 'This is a fun way to raise awareness of male cancer and raise money that will stay on-island and help those suffering from cancer.'’
To get involved go to www.mug.gg/events-fundraising/beard-up-2019!, email info@mug.gg or visit the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/beardup19.
