Each November, men around the world start sporting fresh moustaches, prompting questions like, “What’s with the sudden facial hair?” The answer is Movember, a global movement encouraging men to grow moustaches to raise awareness of critical men’s health issues. Movember is not just about fashioning a new look; it’s about sparking conversations and supporting men’s health on a global scale. In this blog, we’ll explore what Movember is, why men participate, the specific issues it aims to address, and why all of us—men and women alike—should support this movement.

What is Movember?

Movember is an annual event held throughout November, in which men are encouraged to grow mustaches to raise awareness about men's health issues. The term "Movember" combines "mustache" with "November," embodying the lighthearted, approachable spirit that encourages participation. This movement was born in Australia in 2003, when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, decided to bring the mustache back into style as a fun experiment (Our Story, n.d.). They soon realized that this effort could be redirected toward a greater cause: raising awareness for prostate cancer and men's health issues. Today, the Movember Foundation leads the charge, funding programs in mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Why the Mustache?

The mustache serves as a bold, visible statement that invites curiosity and conversation. While many other awareness campaigns use ribbons or colors, Movember’s distinctive approach relies on the noticeable change in men’s appearances. The idea is simple: as a man grows his mustache throughout the month, he starts to draw attention and questions, providing the perfect opportunity to talk about why Movember exists. In a world where men are often discouraged from discussing health issues—especially when it comes to mental health and diseases affecting sexual health—the mustache becomes an icebreaker.

The campaign encourages men to become "Mo Bros" by registering on the Movember website, clean-shaving on November 1, and growing their mustaches for the rest of the month. Friends, family, and colleagues often sponsor the effort, and the funds raised go directly toward Movember’s targeted health initiatives.

The Core Issues: What Does Movember Aim to Address?

Movember is centered on four major health concerns that disproportionately affect men:

1. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, affecting millions worldwide (Gandaglia et al., 2021). Despite its prevalence, conversations around prostate health often remain limited. The funds raised by Movember help support research into improved treatments and early detection methods, which can significantly improve outcomes.
2. Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer may be rare compared to other cancers, but it is the most common cancer in younger men aged 15 to 35 (Giona, 2022). Movember aims to increase awareness about regular self-checks and early detection, which can dramatically improve survival rates.
3. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Men are at higher risk of mental health challenges, yet they are less likely to seek help (Chatmon, 2020). Alarmingly, men account for 75% of all suicides globally (Whitley, 2021). The stigma around mental health issues often prevents men from reaching out, making suicide prevention a key focus of the Movember movement. Through the funds raised, Movember invests in initiatives that encourage men to talk openly about mental health and seek support without shame.
4. Physical Inactivity: Movember also aims to promote overall health and well-being by encouraging physical activity and lifestyle changes that can reduce health risks. By focusing on fitness as a part of men’s health, Movember seeks to make men more proactive about their physical health.

Why Should We Pay Attention?

Men’s health is often overlooked in conversations about healthcare and wellness (Chatmon, 2020). Social expectations around masculinity can discourage men from acknowledging their own vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to health. Movember provides a safe and engaging way to counteract these pressures. Growing a mustache as part of Movember is a visible and relatable way for men to take pride in discussing health openly, challenging the harmful “tough guy” narrative.

The Impact of Silence

For many men, silence surrounding health issues can be deadly (Chatmon, 2020). Mental health challenges, when unaddressed, can lead to tragic outcomes, including suicide. Physical health issues like prostate and testicular cancer are more treatable when caught early, but a lack of awareness and the reluctance to visit the doctor can mean these diseases go undiagnosed until it’s too late. By spreading awareness, we can help men make informed health decisions and encourage them to prioritize their own well-being.

Why Get Involved?

Movember isn’t just a campaign for men; it’s a movement that encourages everyone to take part. Friends, family members, and supporters can raise funds, spread awareness, and support the men in their lives. Here are some ways anyone can get involved:

1. Start a Fundraiser: The Movember Foundation offers various resources to set up fundraisers that directly support their programs. You can start an individual fundraiser, or join a team to amplify the impact.
2. Host an Event: From fun activities like “Mo Parties” to local sporting events, hosting a gathering can help bring the community together in support of Movember’s goals.
3. Encourage Conversations: Simply talking about men’s health can break down the stigma that keeps many men silent. Share information, resources, or even just an encouraging word.
4. Move for Movember: Movember also encourages a physical activity component, where participants can commit to walking or running 60 kilometers over the month in memory of the 60 men lost to suicide every hour around the world.

The Power of Movember

The Movember Foundation has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects globally, reaching millions of men through awareness campaigns and funded research (Our story, n.d.). Beyond the statistics, the greatest accomplishment of Movember is its role in normalizing conversations around men’s health and breaking down stigmas. Every dollar raised, every moustache grown, and every conversation started contributes to a future where men feel empowered to talk about their health and seek the help they need.

Join the Movement!

Movember is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the well-being of men worldwide. This November, consider getting involved—whether by growing a mustache, starting a fundraiser, or encouraging open conversations about men’s health. By joining the movement, you can help break the silence around men’s health and make a difference in the lives of fathers, brothers, partners, and friends.

This month, let’s go beyond the moustache and commit to making men’s health a priority. Together, we can save lives and build a world where men can lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. Movember isn’t just a month; it’s a call to action. Let’s answer it.

_References

_{Chatmon, B. N. (2020). Males and mental health stigma. American Journal of Men’s Health, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320949322} 

_{Gandaglia, G., Leni, R., Bray, F., Fleshner, N., Freedland, S. J., Kibel, A., Stattin, P., Van Poppel, H., & La Vecchia, C. (2021). Epidemiology and prevention of prostate cancer. European Urology Oncology, 4(6), 877-892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euo.2021.09.006} 

_{Giona, S. (2022). The epidemiology of testicular cancer. Urologic Cancers, 107–116. https://doi.org/10.36255/exon-publications-urologic-cancers-epidemiology-testicular-cancer} 

_{Our story. Movember (n.d.). https://us.movember.com/about/history} 

_{Whitley, R. (2021). Men’s issues and men’s mental health. Springer International Publishing.}