The initiative called “Movember” exists to raise awareness about men’s health, especially for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.

You may have noticed that in November, many men grow their mustaches. However, this is not about a new fashion style. “Movember” is about growing a mustache to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and also to mental health.

Created in 2003, the international charity organization Movember (the combination of the words “mustache” and “November”) has already mobilized thousands of people in the fight for the prevention and treatment of male diseases and the early diagnosis of prostate and testicular cancer.

The fundraising initiative takes place in 20 countries and is supported by more than 6.5 million people worldwide.

On account of the silence about mental and physical health, men are dying too young. For that reason, Movember Foundation Charity aims to reduce, by 2030, the number of male deaths by 25%.

Silent diseases

Thus, the mustache acts as a visual warning. Firstly, because some of these pathologies, such as prostate cancer, might be silent or asymptomatic.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. Nevertheless, early diagnosis allows for a high cure rate, so be sure that you get your routine screening. 

Recall that in 2020 alone, prostate cancer killed 6759 men. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. 

Mental health

Secondly, growing a mustache during November is also a reminder of mental health and suicide prevention, another silent scourge that kills far more men than women.

in other words, men often do not recognize when they are experiencing a mental health issue and therefore don’t look for help. That’s why a man dies every minute from suicide, globally. 

Encourage men to talk about their problems but also to get professional help.

At IMO we place great importance on the health and well-being of everyone. Remember, be on the lookout for signs and talk to your doctor or a specialist.