Movember: A Moustache with a Mission: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health.

As we approach the end of November, we are reminded it is not just a month for warmer weather and the end of the year hustle. It's also the time when millions of Men around the world participate in Movember, a month-long initiative focused on raising awareness for Men's health issues, especially Mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. By growing a moustache. Men not only change their appearance, but they also change the conversation surrounding these often-overlooked health topics.

But how did Movember start, and why is it so important?

The Movember Foundation was founded in 2003 in Australia by a group of friends. The original concept was simple: grow a moustache for 30 days in November to spark conversations about Men’s health issues. What began as a small group of Men looking to challenge each other has grown into a global movement. Since its inception, Movember has funded over 1,250 Men's health projects across more than 20 countries, significantly impacting research and advocacy for issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and Mental health. 

Why Men’s Health Matters

For many Men, health often takes a backseat, especially when it comes to Mental health. Research shows that Men are less likely to seek medical help, less likely to talk openly about their health concerns, and more likely to engage in risky behaviours that affect their overall well-being. Movember aims to change this by creating a supportive environment where Men feel empowered to discuss health issues, seek help when needed, and take proactive steps to maintain their health.

Here are some of the key issues Movember focuses on:

1. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Men worldwide. In fact, 1 in 8 Men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The goal is to reduce the number of Men dying from this disease by raising awareness and supporting research into better screening techniques and treatments.

2. Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is relatively rare, but it is the most common cancer in young Men, affecting those between the ages of 15 and 35. Movember encourages young Men to perform regular self-exams and take note of any changes. The earlier testicular cancer is detected, the more successful the treatment outcomes.

3. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Men are more likely to experience Mental health issues, but they are also less likely to seek help. In fact, Men account for 75-80% of deaths by suicide the Movember seeks to address this by raising awareness around Men’s Mental health, promoting open conversations, and providing funding for Mental health initiatives. By sharing stories, breaking stigmas, and supporting one another, Movember helps normalise discussions about Mental health struggles.

How Movember Works

Movember is both a movement and a fundraising initiative. People can participate in various ways:

• Grow a Moustache: This is the classic way to get involved. Men grow out their facial hair during the month of November, using their ‘MO’ to raise awareness and start conversations about Men’s health.
• Move for Movember: For those who prefer not to grow a moustache, Movember also encourages people to "move" for the cause. This could be through running, walking, cycling, or engaging in any other physical activity. The goal is to cover 60 kilometres or 60 minutes of exercise during the month, symbolising the 60 Men we lose to suicide every hour across the globe.
• Host an Event or Fundraise: Participants can also create fundraising pages, host events, or contribute to campaigns that support Men's health. Whether it's a bake sale, a virtual run, or simply spreading the word on social media, every effort counts.

Why Participation Matters

Movember is more than just a quirky tradition of Men sporting moustaches for a month. It’s about sparking conversations, breaking down barriers, and showing Men that it's okay to prioritise their health. It encourages Men to talk to their doctors, seek help when needed, and support one another in maintaining Mental and physical well-being.

The Impact of Movember in South Africa

Movember is having a growing impact in South Africa, both in terms of awareness and tangible outcomes:

• Increased Awareness: Through social media, public events, and local campaigns, Movember has significantly raised awareness of Men’s health issues in South Africa.
• Improved Access to Health Resources: Funds raised in South Africa contribute to local programs like Mental health helplines, cancer awareness programs, and research into Men’s health issues.
• Community Support: Movember fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, especially among Men, encouraging them to share their health stories. So, whether you’re sporting a new ‘stache or simply supporting the movement in other ways, remember: the conversations we start today can save lives tomorrow. Let’s keep the momentum going and work towards better health for Men everywhere—because real Men talk about their health.

References:

Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Men and Mental health. https://www.Mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-Mental-health/a-z-topics/Men-and-Mental-health 
National Cancer Institute. Testicular Cancer TreatMent. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatMent-pdq#section/all?redirect=true) Accessed 5/2/2022.
https://cansa.org.za/prostate-cancer/
https://ex.movember.com/
https://www.get-tested.co.za/pages/prostate-cancer-screening-psa?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Ou5BhCrARIsAPoTxrAt-RCKLCtL0qnKu8Ofp_1zzlplrxUmY9Ws51k2TjTeIsjhTLjP8XkaAkPIEALw_wcB