In 2003, two Melbourne mates decided over a quiet beer to bring the moustache back into vogue and in the process, raise money and awareness for men's health and prostate cancer.
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Held during November, 30 other men embraced the initiative, which was aptly dubbed Movember.
Fast forward to 2019 and there are now official Movember programs in 21 countries.
Collectively they have raised more than $730 million to fund more than 1200 men's health programs, enabling blokes to live happier, healthier and longer lives by positively challenging the way men's health issues are researched and addressed.
Awareness and fundraising activities are run all year by the Movember Foundation, however the annual Movember campaign is globally recognised for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and encouraging men to be proactive about their health, while sporting some questionable facial hair in the process.
By 2030, the Foundation has committed to reducing the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent, reducing the number of men taking their own lives by 25 per cent, and halving the number of deaths from prostate and testicular cancer.
It plans to do this by giving men the facts, positively changing behaviour, creating successful services for men and funding breakthrough research.
THE FACTS
- One in two Australian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44.
- On average, nearly six men each day take their own life in Australia.
- Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men.
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged between 20-34.
- More than 15,000 Australian men are living with a testicular cancer diagnosis.
The Movember website is chock full of information, stories, links to podcasts and more, all dedicated to men's health.
What to help make a difference? The Movember Foundation has the following suggestions for how to get involved.
The annual Movember campaign is globally recognised for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and encouraging men to be proactive about their health.
- Grow a mo. Use your moustache to inspire donations and conversations in the 30 days of November.
- Get active for men's health. Why not try walking or running up to 60 kilometres during the month of November. This represents the 60 men lost to suicide every hour globally.
- Host a mo-ment. Get together to raise funds with mates anytime, anywhere, during Movember.
Visit au.movember.com, get informed and learn how you can help make a difference.
