“Movember”: A Global Health Movement

With the onset of November comes a major health initiative known as “Movember”, or “No Shave November.” If you’re alarmed at the number of rugged Brunonians walking amongst us, keep in mind that they’re doing it for a real and significant cause. This month, facial hair is much more than a fashion statement. Last year Movember raised over $126 million US dollars to support men’s health.[1]

In particular, the campaign seeks to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. Funds go directly to programs such as Livestrong, or the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Those who participate in Movember are known as ‘Mo Bros’, and they gain the support of their ‘Mo Sistas’ and other sponsors. The movement began in Melbourne, Australia, and has since spread to countries such as the US, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and the Czech Republic. In 2011, over 854,000 Bros and Sistas participated in No Shave November. [2]

According to the national Movember website, “…there is still much to be done to catch up with the women’s health movement. Via the moustache, Movember aims to fulfill its vision of having an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.”[3] Movember falls, quite literally, on the heels of National Breast Cancer Awareness month (October). But how many of you knew about the global initiative for prostate and testicular cancer?

It’s time that we face up- no pun intended- to the facts about men’s global health. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 241, 740 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2012 alone, and about 28, 170 of those will result in death. 1 in 6 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, compared to the estimated 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.[4]

At the end of the month, the Mo Bros and Sistas throw a party for completing the project. So how ‘bout it, Brunonians?  What better way to kick off the winter than to raise awareness for men’s health?