Welcome to Movember, the month where we come together to tackle men’s health issues head on and all you friends will be sporting the finest freshly grown moustaches by the end of the month.

November is the month where we collectively raise awareness and money for men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. You may have noticed that men have ditched the razors to grow a mo but what is at the heart of this event?

The month-long campaign aims to change the face of men’s health, increase public awareness and help men across the world understand their health in order to create a safe space for men to share.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the number 1 most common cancer among men in the UK. There are around 52,000 new cases a year, however the survival rate is more than 70%. The more we encourage men to talk, look after themselves and examine themselves, the quicker we can catch the illness and support our loved ones. The best prevention strategy is early detection and a healthy lifestyle.

Men’s Mental Health

The highest rate of suicide in the UK is among men. The leading cause of depression in men is environmental factors. This means there is so much more we can do to help men and look after one another.

Symptoms of depression can include irritability, hopelessness, aggression, drinking or substance abuse, and isolation from friends and family. It is important that everyone is aware of these symptoms so we can spot them when they occur in the lives of people around us. Men who face mental health issues often face them alone and struggle to break through the stigma of speaking up.

Movember takes on mental health stigmas

Movember aims to shift the perspective that emotions are weak and create a safe space for all men to be able to talk and express. Societal gender roles sometimes force men to present themselves as “manly” and “strong” but we are all human and all should be able to express emotions freely without stigma or discrimination.

About 75% of UK deaths from suicide are men and studies have shown that men are less likely than women to seek help or mental health issues. These statistics demonstrate the need for mental health support for men everywhere.

Countless missed doctors appointments have devastating consequences for men (and women) everywhere. This is why Movember is an incredibly important charity to support. The foundation is reshaping this dangerous narrative to save lives all over the world.

Movember needs your support to continue.

Make a difference to men everywhere.

Whatever you grow will save a bro.