Movember: Movement with a Mission

A Hairy Tale

By Katrina McDowell on Nov 15, 2024 in Giving

Did you know that Movember’s impact is felt globally, with more than 1.3 million men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and over 415,000 men succumbing to the disease? This movement’s influence goes beyond men’s health awareness. Let’s delve into the history, success, and tangible effects of Movember, from the research breakthroughs it funds to the grassroots initiatives it supports.

No Shave November

Movember is not just an event. It’s a global movement. It’s an annual event that takes place in November. Men worldwide grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. It began in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003 as a lighthearted challenge among friends to bring back the mustache, but it quickly transformed into a movement with a mission. The founders saw the potential to raise awareness for men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health issues. Since then, Movember has grown into a global campaign, engaging millions worldwide and generating funds for research, health programs and advocacy.

In 2007, Movember officially launched in the U.S. in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and two years later, it added the LIVESTRONG foundation. Both foundations have been significant partners with the movement and have had successful patients and stories. Over a thousand men’s health projects have been funded since 2003.

Research breakthroughs with the Movember movement have been astronomical, and soon, men with an aggressive form of prostate cancer could quickly benefit from a revolutionary drug. Scientists are confident that breast cancer drug Olaparib extends the lives of men who have cancer cells with faulty DNA repair genes.

Movember has raised over $911 million since 2003 to support men’s health projects. Last year, in 2023, it raised over $128 million with various projects, including workshops that teach mental fitness to young men and funding for the early development of Pylarify. This imaging agent can help determine if prostate cancer has spread. Men with advanced prostate cancer are not only at greater risk of cancer death but also suffer poorer quality of life and adverse events due to their cancer and therapies.

Movember and Mental Health

Unfortunately, around 15 million American adults will be diagnosed with depression each year. In a world that often values stoicism and suppresses vulnerability, men can usually face unique challenges when working on their mental and emotional well-being. Stereotypes and societal expectations can create an environment where opening up about feelings and struggles becomes a daunting task for men, sometimes with devastating consequences: untreated mental disorders and physical health conditions, strained relationships, and an overall diminished quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among American men is about four times higher than among women. Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are more likely to succeed. Men are also far less likely to seek treatment and support for mental health issues. Some individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with different symptoms of their mental disorder, leading to substance abuse issues and the potential consequences that can arise as a result.

The Movember Foundation is not just about raising funds. It’s about challenging norms. By using the mustache as a catalyst, Movember aims to change how we think about men’s health. It encourages open dialogue and gives men the confidence to learn, talk about their health, and take action when needed. Movember has successfully challenged traditional notions of masculinity that often discourage men from discussing their health issues.

Women can support men during Movember by becoming a Mo Sister. Mo Sisters can raise awareness by moving 60 miles during the month to represent the 60 men who die by suicide each hour.

Lives Touched

While many success stories have existed since Movember started, individuals have supported the movement beyond November. This past summer, Anil Toraty, senior director at Visa, carried the Olympic torch in Sens, France, symbolizing hope and resilience. His journey is just one of the many inspiring stories showing Movember’s impact.

“It was a moment of personal triumph that I could share. It encapsulated the long journey I have taken with my mental health, working on myself and overcoming significant personal challenges. Men’s mental health is an issue that needs urgent attention. Through my journey, including the honor of carrying the Olympic torch, I hope to raise awareness and understanding of men’s mental health struggles. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.”

Learn more about Movember’s success stories here.

Are you ready to join the Movember movement this year? If so, we’d love to see those fabulous mustaches on social media! Share your journey with us, and let’s make a difference together.