Who would have thought an informal idea between two friends enjoying a drink in a pub in Melbourne, Australia, back in 2003 would transform into a global health phenomenon? Movember, an event born of blending the words “mustache” and “November” together, is the brainchild of Travis Garone and Luke Slattery and encourages men to grow out their facial hair for thirty days. Fondly referred to as “Mo Bros,” the men who participate in Movember help to spread awareness about the silent crises surrounding men’s physical and mental health in a lighthearted way, according to Texas Health Resources.
Since its inception, the Movember Foundation has moved beyond the original 30 Mo’s Bros to cover 20 countries, mobilizing more than six million participants and funding upwards of 1,250 health projects worldwide. The charity’s main focus is prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention. These issues are leading concerns for men in modern times.
The American Cancer Society says approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it the second most common cancer in men globally. Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among young men between the ages of 15 and 39. It is highly treatable when identified early; however, knowledge of self-examination remains very low.
According to the World Health Organization, men account for nearly 75 percent of all suicides globally. One man dies by suicide, on average, every minute of every day. Many men confront social stigmas that prevent them from seeking help when struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Movember’s core philosophy is easy: use facial hair as a visual conversation starter to initiate conversations about health topics men historically avoid. This may prompt other men to schedule health exams or talk about emotional well-being that can help save their lives. In addition, the Move for Movember initiative urges people to run or walk 60 kilometers (approximately 37 miles) throughout the month to honor the 60 men who lose their lives to suicide every hour.
