Movember encourages conversations about men’s health by turning the mustache into a symbol of awareness, action, and support.
Movember is a global movement that began in Australia in 2003 when a few friends decided to grow mustaches to spark conversations about men’s health. Today, it’s active in more than 20 countries, including Canada, and has raised millions for research and support programs.
At its core, Movember stands for changing the face of men’s health. It focuses on three key issues that have a major impact on men’s wellbeing: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Here's why:
Mental health and suicide prevention: Men are less likely to seek help for emotional struggles. Females are almost twice as likely to report using health services for mood and anxiety disorders than males. Across all age groups, men are about 3 times more likely to die by suicide compared to women.
Prostate cancer: In Canada, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, outside of certain skin cancers. While older age increases the risk of dying from prostate cancer, its survival rate is nearly 100% when caught in its early stages.
Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in their 20s and 30s. While it's less likely to be deadly as other cancer, it can be a stressful experience that affects fertility, sexuality and self-esteem, even after treatment.
Movember is not just about men growing mustaches. It is about starting a broader conversation on how we think about health, connection, and support. Even if you are not a man, you likely have fathers, brothers, partners, colleagues, or friends who are affected by the issues Movember addresses.
Movember makes it easy for anyone to get involved, whether you grow facial hair or not. The goal is to spark awareness, support men’s health, and create lasting change through small, everyday actions.
Grow a mustache or show your support. If you can grow one, let your mustache become a symbol of awareness. Each time someone asks about it, you have a chance to share why men’s health matters. If you cannot or prefer not to, support a friend or colleague who is taking part. Encourage others to learn about the cause or donate to the Movember Foundation in Canada.
Start a conversation. Simple check-ins can make a real difference. Ask a friend, partner, or co-worker how they are doing, and be ready to listen without judgment. Encourage the men in your life to book regular health appointments and talk openly about how they are feeling.
Move for Movember. Physical activity supports both mental and physical health. Movember encourages people to set a “Move” challenge, such as running or walking 60 kilometres in November. The number represents the 60 men lost to suicide every hour worldwide. It is a powerful way to combine fitness with purpose.
Fundraise or donate. Every dollar raised helps fund research, mental-health programs, and cancer initiatives in Canada and around the world. You can set up a fundraising page through the Movember website, join a team event, or organize something creative like a trivia night, bake sale, or workplace challenge.
Be an advocate year-round. The moustache may be temporary, but the message is not. Keep the conversation going after November ends. Support local men’s health programs, share trusted resources, and help normalize preventive care.
Movember’s message is simple: when more people talk about men’s health, more lives are saved. Whether you grow a mustache, donate, move, or simply check in with someone you care about, you are part of a global effort to help men live longer, healthier, and more connected lives.
