Help change the face of men’s health

This November, Movember returns with its annual month-long fundraiser challenging men across Australia to grow a moustache, raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues including prostate cancer.

Now in its 16th year in the Australia, Movember encourages millions of men around the world to embrace the moustache in all its glorious forms. The itchy one, the patchy one or even the lopsided one – they all help fight prostate cancer, testicular cancer and male suicide.

Whether men fly the flag solo or join up with friends, work colleagues, sports clubs, schools or universities, adding some hair to their upper lip drives awareness and generates funds for vital men’s health issues.

To date, through moustaches grown, connections created, and conversations generated, Movember has proudly welcomed over six million supporters and helped fund 1,250 innovative men’s health projects across 20 countries. But there is still plenty more to be done.

In Australia, the stats are shocking. Nine men die from prostate cancer every day, while across the country more than 200,000 men are living with the disease . On average, six men in Australia take their own lives every day and three out of four suicides are by men, making it the biggest killer of males under 45. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, and although in most cases the outcome for men with the disease is positive, a 95% chance of survival is of no comfort to the one in twenty who won’t make it.

Mo Bros taking part in Movember should sign up and start with a clean-shaven face. After that, it’s as simple as letting their moustache grow for the rest of the month. Those taking part can ask friends, family, or colleagues to back their Mo by donating. Funds will be invested in these key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

But participants don’t have to Grow to save a bro. Mo Sistas and those who aren’t keen on sporting a moustache can simply Host an event to support the charity this year or Move. And it’s certainly not restricted to ultra-athletes or hardened gym-goers. Move is simpler than that. Fundraisers just run or walk 60 kilometres over the month – that’s 60 kilometres for the 60 men lost to suicide each hour, every hour around the world.

For those who love entertaining, they can take part by Hosting a fundraising event. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can organise a trivia night, host a BBQ for friends and family, or even get a team together for a game of cricket or footy. Any type of event helps gather much-needed funds for men’s health. Those keen to get involved could also set up a Shave Down – a group shave-off of facial hair to get the month started. It’s the easiest way to start a conversation about men’s health.