If you don’t know what Movember is, then you might be confused with all the mustaches and beards suddenly growing on the men in your life. While it may seem like a bunch of silly mustaches or some lazy shaving for a month (and there is definitely a lot of fun with it!), the underlying reason for Movember is nothing to laugh at.
So What is Movember?
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, specifically with prostate and testicular cancer (“Grow a Mo, Save a Bro”). The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity to raise money for these causes, and is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health.
Mo Bros and Mo Sistas are any participants raising money or growing a mustache on behalf of Movember, and anyone can do it (there are 5,542,507 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas involved since 2003)!
Facts & Figures
- Globally 5.6M+ men are living with prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men (after skin cancer).
- In most cases, the outcome for men with testicular cancer is positive, but a 95% chance of survival is no comfort to the 1 man in 20 who won’t make it.
- In 15 years the Movember Foundation funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world.
- By 2030 they’ll reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.
Read more about the Movember Foundation and their story at https://us.movember.com.
How Do You Get Involved?
- Grow a mustache (or your man)
- Donate money
- Raise awareness
- Throw a Movember party
- All of the above!
I fall under category #5 and as a Mo Sista I recently organized my 2nd annual Movember Anchorman party, with the hopes of continuing the themed fundraising parties for many years to come. We had a great time dressing up and growing out our mustaches for the month, but the reality is not as hilarious. I lost my uncle to prostate cancer and my husband also has an uncle who is battling prostate cancer, so it is something that we are both passionate about and hope that our small efforts can help in the big picture!
Have Fun Doing Good!
