Every November, men put away their razors and grow mustaches to celebrate Movember. Where did this unusual event come from? We’ll tell you more about this awareness campaign.
Beards are growing, men’s lips are adorned with handsome mustaches… There’s no doubt about it, Movember is back. Every November, men are invited to grow a mustache, and it’s not just to ward off the cold of winter! Behind this unusual hairy event lies a charitable awareness campaign.
Like Pink October, Movember is a month dedicated to raising awareness of serious illnesses. More specifically, this event aims to raise funds and awareness for diseases that affect men, such as prostate and testicular cancer , as well as mental health and suicide prevention .
Created in 2003 by Australians, this movement quickly gained momentum: today, stars such as David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith post photos of themselves on social media with their newly grown mustaches to raise awareness of this organization among as many people as possible. In France, the first Movember took place in 2012.
But what exactly happens during Movember? There are a few rules governing the event: participants must shave their entire face at the beginning of the month, then grow a mustache. The mustache must not be connected to the sideburns and must not reach the chin.
Anyone interested can register on the website and become a member of The Order of the Mustache. Throughout the month, they will be asked to post a photo of themselves on social media so that others can admire the progress of their facial hair. These photos serve to encourage other internet users to donate to charities. On its website, Movember also states that the money raised will be used to “ fund vital projects for men’s health. You will be helping to improve mental health, prevent suicide, and fight prostate and testicular cancer.”
Those who don’t want to post on social media can take part in Move: a sporting event open to everyone, which encourages us to walk or run 60 km during the month. This distance was chosen in reference to the 60 men who commit suicide every hour worldwide, according to WHO statistics. Other challenges are also available for raising funds in a fun way.
Taking care of your health as a man
To stay healthy for longer, doctors recommend having your blood pressure checked once a year from the age of 40. Cancer screening for men starts at age 50: your doctor can perform the tests or refer you to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
In 2023, 311,249 men and women from 20 different countries committed to Movember. They raised €83.1 million. Are you ready to take up the challenge?
