Changing the Face of Men’s Health

When patients come across Dr. Robert Williams in November, he looks a little different than usual.  Each year, Dr. Williams, a dedicated urologist at Harbin Clinic, puts aside his razor and commits to growing a mustache until December. More than personal style choice, he hopes his mustache will create curiosity and conversations as he joins a global movement called “Movember,” dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health around prostate and testicular cancers as well as suicide prevention. Dr. Williams knows the importance of early detection in the fight against prostate and testicular cancers. He hopes a little facial hair will prompt opportunities for further conversations, education and even action that could improve and save the lives of men in the Northwest Georgia region.

The Backstory

Dr. Williams first learned of the Movember movement in residency when physicians and residents in urology would don mustaches in camaraderie and in honor of men’s health awareness. Then, Dr. Williams continued this practice when he served in the Navy as a physician.

“Typically, in the Navy, most guys are clean-shaven because of facial hair rules, but we were allowed to have mustaches. Movember was an easy way to start conversations about men’s health topics,” said Dr. Williams. “The Navy was also invested in men’s health awareness, so much so in fact, that they had me do a radio spot about why I have a mustache in November on the Armed Forces Radio Network.”

Promoting Awareness Through a Mustache

Since then, Dr. Williams has consistently supported the movement and grows a mustache each year. For Dr. Williams, each comment or curious glance becomes an opportunity to spread awareness about critical men’s health issues.

“Patients I see in clinic already know the importance of regular exams. However, I tend to have more conversations and see a broader impact when in the hospital, working with other specialties or in social settings. This year, when I arrived at the operating room at the beginning of November, the nurses and scrub techs from both the urology team and the robotics team greeted me all wearing fake mustaches. They knew I would be ready for November, and I was thrilled they remembered and supported the movement,” said Dr. Williams.

As the most common solid organ cancer and second most common cause of cancer death in men, early detection of prostate cancer is vital. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of scheduling regular check-ups and talking with your doctor about whether you are a candidate for prostate cancer screenings.

Testicular cancer, often affecting younger men, also requires early detection through self-examination. Movember mustaches offer an easy way to share reminders to perform self-checks, paying attention to swelling or irregularities.

“My father actually battled testicular cancer, and as one of four brothers, this cause is both personal and professional for me,” said Dr. Williams. “I hope this simple, yet powerful awareness effort continues to grow and make a difference in the future.”

In the spirit of Movember, Harbin Clinic is encouraging men to learn more about self-check exams, make sure to schedule a regular check-up with a physician and talk with your doctor about whether you are a candidate for prostate cancer screenings. Do you need a primary care physician or a urologist? Find a Harbin Clinic doctor today!