YouTube Stars “AreYouKiddingTV” Join Forces with Prostate Cancer Foundation for Movember Awareness

Social media sensations Joey Gizzi and Steven Lannum, known for their popular YouTube channel "AreYouKiddingTV," are leveraging their massive online presence to champion men’s health this Movember. The duo is partnering with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to raise crucial awareness about prostate cancer, a disease affecting one in eight men in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• "AreYouKiddingTV" aims to destigmatize conversations around men’s health through their Movember campaign.
• The partnership highlights the importance of early detection and regular check-ups for prostate cancer.
• Gizzi and Lannum are personally committed to improving their own health and encouraging others to do the same.

A Platform for Positivity

With billions of views and millions of subscribers across YouTube and TikTok, Gizzi and Lannum have built a brand around entertaining challenges and lighthearted content. However, they are increasingly aware of their platform’s potential to drive positive change. "We give money to random people, so why not once in a while be more specific about where we are giving, and where we are putting attention?" explained Joey Gizzi. They believe their engaging video style can effectively reach younger demographics, a critical audience as approximately ten percent of new prostate cancer diagnoses in the USA occur in men under 55.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer after skin cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation defines it as a condition where normal cells transform into abnormal ones, growing uncontrollably to form tumors. While many urinary symptoms can stem from non-cancerous causes, potential signs include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Urgency or difficulty starting/holding back urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Pain or burning during urination
• Decreased ejaculation volume or painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen

The PCF emphasizes that while these symptoms are often benign, consulting a doctor is essential for proper diagnosis and early treatment, which significantly increases the chances of success.

Movember Mustache Mission

To actively participate in Movember, Gizzi and Lannum will be growing mustaches throughout November. They have already filmed content for the campaign, including a "mustache-related" celebrity cameo with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, set to be released mid-November. This initiative follows their previous charitable efforts, such as donating $1,000 to charity when the Pittsburgh Pirates allowed them to crash the field.

Personal Health Journeys

Beyond their public campaign, both Gizzi and Lannum are focusing on their personal health. As they approach their 30s, they are prioritizing fitness and well-being. "In the past couple of years, I’ve been trying to get more in shape, and work out more," shared Lannum, who aims for 10,000 steps daily and works out three times a week. Gizzi noted that cancer has personally impacted his life, having had a mother battle the illness multiple times, reinforcing their commitment to addressing underdiscussed health issues like prostate cancer.