What is Movember all About?

Business
August 22, 2024

By Kristian

If you’ve ever heard the term Movember, you’d probably already know that this play on words encourages men to grow moustaches during the month of November, but what exactly is it for? It’s not just for fun. The movement is an initiative that encourages men to grow moustaches and show support for a range of men’s causes. It initially started around 2003 and has attracted participants globally since then. This article will give you a brief rundown of what Movember is all about so you can get a better understanding.

The Growth of the Movember Movement

The movement started out in Melbourne between a small group of mates who thought it would be funny to try to grow moustaches during the month of November due to the play on words. Since then the foundation has grown with over 6 million participants and raised over 1 billion dollars through backing multiple projects over 21 countries. This high level of financail backing has inspired and instigated research and treatment of men’s health globally.

It’s not only about this financial aspect, the movement also has helped destigmatise the perspective on men’s health and make seeking help or assistance more normalised. Because many men can avoid speaking about their health issues or refuse to seek help due to lack of awareness the movement has assisted in the overall advocation of health awareness.

Addressing Men’s Health Concerns

So now it’s time to look at the men’s health concerns that are highlighted during November. These often go unnoticed, so let’s shed some light on them. Here are the three concerns that Movember predominantly focuses on throughout the month of November.

Prostate Cancer Awareness

Prostate cancer is one of the most damaging cancers that affect men, with statistics stating that 1 in 9 men will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer during some stage of their lives. This cancer can slowly and silently develop, meaning that consistent diagnosis and research are super important. The movement supports research efforts that help better fund detection techniques and create more efficient treatments.

Understanding Testicular Cancer

While testicular cancer is less common than other forms of cancer, it has a very high instance of affecting males aged between 15 and 39 years old. So it is absolutely crucial that this demographic understand this type of cancer and funding is continued. Like prostate cancer, testicular cancer can develop silently, and movement helps to raise awareness and even assist males with self-examination and discussions.

Mental Health

Just like some of the above issues might be taboo or not openly spoken about, so are men’s mental health and well-being. This can be severely overlooked, and despite increased media awareness, men are still less likely to seek help than women. The hesitation can lead to conditions getting worse as they become untreated, and movement is pivotal in removing these barriers so men can get the help that they deserve.

Getting Involved

If you want to get involved in Movember there are many ways and suggestions no matter your budget or the state you are in life. These are some practical suggestions, so take a look and see what is relevant to you.

Grow a Mustache

The most obvious way to show some support for Movember is to grow a moustache, when men start this they usually begin clean-shaven on the 1st of November. Then through this time, you should document your journey. It not only sparks discussion of the cause with those around you but is also a fun challenge to support the movement.

Raise Funds

If you’re not keen on growing a moustache or are incapable, then you can focus on fundraising, which is a great strategy when you can’t donate out of your own pocket. There are a few ways you can raise funds, but feel free to be creative. Recommended ways to raise funds include things like barbecues or parties with a moustache theme. You will collect all the funds raised and directly support the member’s initiative.

Move for Movember

Those who are more interested in physical activities instead of having parties for fundraising can participate in Move for Movember. This challenge involves running for at least 60 kilometres during the month of November, and this number specifically represents the 60 men who lose their lives to suicide every hour worldwide.

So there you have it, a brief rundown of the Movember movement. This movement is not just about facial hair growth. It’s about so much more. Unfortunately, these aspects of mental health can be swept under the rug not just by society but also by the men suffering. When you take part in this challenge, you keep awareness alive and might save some lives.