Movember is the mustache operation for the month of November. But in addition to growing a mustache, several events contribute to raising awareness of human health. But what do its organizers say?
Throughout the month of November, the Movember movement hopes to see its troops grow. Since 2003, its support has grown. Mitch, their marketing director, gives an update.
Movember has been around for 14 years. How far have you come since 2003?
It all started in a pub in Australia in 2003 with a group of friends who challenged themselves to grow a mustache and bring it up to date. They realized that this elicited surprise reactions and so they decided to use this visible brand to raise funds, starting with the fight against prostate cancer.
In total, more than 5 million men (the “Mo Bros”) and women (the “Mo Sistas”) have participated in Movember since the beginning of the movement, in 21 countries. Community efforts have enabled the Movember Foundation to fund more than 1,200 programs in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Movember’s largest investment in medical research is global. One of the most thrilling findings is the fact that we have been able to progress in understanding the biology of the disease for each man and the type of treatments that will or will not work. This means that we will increasingly be able to avoid the waste of time and unnecessary side effects of treatments that are not suitable for some men.
What are the main motivations of the project participants?
Overcome the disease. Two scourges are more specifically targeted: testicular cancer and prostate cancer. There is so much to do with regard to the former, including encouraging regular self-examination for better results. We do this through awareness and education activities and programs.
As for prostate cancer, it’s a much more complex disease. More difficult to diagnose and including more complex treatment options.
Is Movember a movement for men, supported by men?
Scores of women participate in Movember each year and become ”Mo Sistas”. They register on the website, create or join teams with their entourage, their family, their friends or colleagues. They can also participate by launching a sporting challenge which consists of running 30 min per day and reaching a distance goal in the month or organizing an event or an action to mobilize and call for donations.
In absolute terms, no one can be against your battle with disease, but a lot of people don’t do Movember. How to convince them?
Union makes OM! It is together and in numbers that we will succeed in changing the statistics on men’s health. Every man is concerned. Talking about your health, problems and taking action is essential, just as it is crucial to continue funding research programs that can save lives. This is the goal of Movember.
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