If there were ever a year to grow your “Movember stache,” it’s now. The pandemic has made men’s mental health and suicide prevention even more relevant. Quite frankly, even if you’re “follically challenged” this will most definitely be the most important “Mo” you’ll ever grow.

South African men are facing a crises. Did you know that 1 in 6 South African men are diagnosed with cancer during their lives? Are you aware that prostate cancer will surpass all other forms of cancer by 2023 with a 140% increase in cases by 2030? Testicular cancer cases have doubled over the past 10 years – known as the young man’s disease, reports show that men in their 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed. Also, statistics indicate that 4 of every 5 suicides are men, with approximately 18 men taking their lives each day.

Although the Movember Foundation has made the difficult decision to no longer run a dedicated campaign in South Africa, there is so much to be done. Millions of people around the world grow, or wear fake moustaches for Movember to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. With money raised globally, Movember funds ground-breaking research, innovative cancer tests and treatments, and game-changing mental health interventions.

The premise behind the Movember movement, since relatively humble beginnings back in 2003, is to start a conversation about men’s health by putting a fun twist to this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, the idea is to bring change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health, and take action when needed. With the sprouting of a new moustache, men become walking, talking billboards around the often ignored issues of men’s health.

So yes, it is activism and yes, it has its own rules. Simplified, the rules include registering at movember.com and starting the month with a clean face. From there you need to grow and groom a moustache – and a moustache onlyy’all! – to be used as a conversation starter to talk about men’s health issues. Also, every participant must “conduct himself like a true gentlemen.” This is really a solid addition to the rules because we’ve all known a guy (or a few guys) with a moustache who was certainly not a gentleman. Changing the narrative!

So, get involved and support this noble cause by growing a “Mo” this November. Whether it’s patchy, lopsided, itchy, or epic; your efforts will raise awareness for men’s health.

If you’re able, donate generously, or host a “Mo-ment” and have a good time for a good cause. Or commit to running or walking 60 km at your own pace during November for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour across the world.

Happy Movember gentlemen!

Source: menshealth.com, za.movember.com, forbes.com, cansa.org.za, wikipedia.org, ex.movember.com, mensfoundation.co.za, facebook.com, news24.com, dailymaverick.co.za, esquire.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.