Remember, Remember, The Month Of 'Movember': What Is It? Why Does It Matter?
Movember, the annual global event, is more than just about facial hair.
By Sadho Ram — 09 Nov 2014, 03:49 PM — Updated about 10 years ago
First things first, the word Movember, as it's widely confused with, is NOT a typo. It's a portmanteau from the Australian-English diminutive word for moustache — mo — and November.
With the start of the month of November, Movember, the annual month-long moustache growing marathon, has kicked off around the globe. It's challenging men to grow moustaches. But why? What is being achieved by it? Why does Movember matter at all?
What is Movember? Tl;dr: It's meant to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers.
Movember began in Australia in 2003 to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancers, according to the Movember Foundation, a nonprofit that raised nearly $21 million in 2013.
go.comThe Movember Foundation, which was started in Australia in 2003, donates the money it raises to projects and programs related to prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health issues. Mo Bros, as participants are called, agree to grow and groom a Ron Swanson-worthy ‘stache and “use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men’s health and to raise funds” for the causes the organization supports.
nydailynews.com"We are all about the mustache and only the mustache," said Movember's U.S. Director Mark Hedstrom. "What we're asking them to do is participate by changing their appearance. What that fosters is a conversation." From there, Hedstrom said men can explain why they're growing a mustache and start talking about men's health. Now, it has campaigns in 21 countries, according to the organization.
go.comHere's what you need to know about prostate cancer:
Prostate cancer is the development of cancer in the prostate. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some grow relatively fast. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. In the United States it is more common in the African American population than the Caucasian population.
Globally it is the second most common cause of cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in men. In 2012 it occurred in 1.1 million men and caused 307,000 deaths. It was the most common cancer in males in 84 countries, occurring more commonly in the developed world. Rates have been increasing in the developing world.
There's another common trend during November. It's called No-Shave November and it's slightly different than Movember.
No-Shave November is a different organization that encourages people to donate what they would otherwise spend on hair grooming to the American Cancer Society. Instead of being "all about the mustache" this group is a little more anything goes. Participants can grow mustaches and beards, but it also encourages women to maybe skip shaving their legs.
go.com“The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free,” the website says. The guidelines for No-Shave November are not cut and dried. “We understand people have different circumstances, such as a dress codes at work, that require you to remain well groomed, therefore we do not impose any rules,” the site says.
nydailynews.comFrom its humble beginnings in an Australian bar in the year 2003, Movember has grown to a worldwide movement. Alright, but how exactly is it changing, as claimed, the face of men's health?
Barber Ryan Rich, right, shaves Adam Paul's mustache at Movember & Co. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 in Culver City, California
Image via mshcdn.comAccording to their website, Mo Bros, as the men are called, become “walking, talking, hairy billboards for the cause sparking conversations around the often ignored issue of men’s health.” Mo Sistas are the women who support their men in their hairy endeavor and help with fundraising and raising awareness.
philly.com
While October has become the month of the pink ribbon and of raising awareness about breast cancer, the Movember Foundation wants November to be the month of the moustache so that men’s health issues are addressed as well. Their hope is to increase understanding of health risks men face, encourage men to take action to remain healthy, and to ensure that they take proper action when they do become sick.
philly.com
What is being achieved by it? Tl;dr: To date, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have raised more than USD500 million in 21 countries, and helped fund more than 800 health programs.
The above chart, created by statistics portal Statista, shows the funds raised during every Movember since 2004.
Image via mshcdn.comGlobally, 969,188 men participated in the Movember Foundation’s 2013 campaign, raising $120 million. The United Kingdom was the most “moustache mad” nation last time round, raising $31.97 million. Canada came a close second with $30.91 million while Movember’s home nation, Australia, completed the top three with $23.25 million.
forbes.comThe United States put in a valiant effort for 2013 with 219,953 participants, second only to the United Kingdom. Those “Mo-Bros” managed to raise $21.85 million overall, placing the US fourth in overall donations.
forbes.comParticipate in the SAYS Movember Challenge and win SAYS car sticker(s) of your choice! Check out the SAYS Facebook page for instructions. May the beards be ever in your favour.
