Men’s Health: Growing Awareness in Movember, One Mustache at a Time

Each November, men around the world grow mustaches not just as a fashion statement, but as part of a global movement to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Known as Movember, this initiative tackles some of the most pressing health issues faced by men today, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention. The simple act of growing facial hair has evolved into a powerful platform that sparks conversations, drives donations, and ultimately saves lives.

A Growing Problem: Men’s Health in Crisis

The statistics on men’s health speak for themselves. Globally, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, which adds up to nearly 1,440 lives lost daily. In the United States alone, men account for nearly 80% of suicides. That’s four out of every five lives lost to suicide. It’s clear that this is an epidemic we can’t afford to ignore, and Movember is leading the charge to address it.
On top of mental health challenges, men face physical health crises. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the U.S., with 1 in 8 men likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Each year, more than 1.4 million men around the world are diagnosed with this disease. And while survival rates have improved, the treatment side effects often drastically reduce quality of life.
Testicular cancer, while less common, tends to strike young men, and although the survival rate exceeds 95%, the long-term effects of treatment can be debilitating. Movember focuses not just on surviving, but thriving – helping men regain control of their lives after cancer.

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Movement

Movember started back in 2003 when Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were inspired to revive the mustache for a cause. After seeing the success of breast cancer awareness campaigns, they wanted to create something similar for men’s health. And what better symbol than the mustache – a distinctly masculine feature – to represent this effort?

What began as a conversation between friends has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. The Movember Foundation has raised millions of dollars to fund research, treatment, and support for men’s health – specifically, men facing prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges. Over five million people – affectionately called Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – have taken part in this men’s health movement, proving that with a little enthusiasm and facial hair, you can make a big difference.

How You Can Get Involved with the Men’s Health Movement

Want to be part of the movement? There are several ways you can contribute:
  • Grow a Mustache: Ditch the razor for the month of November, and let your mustache do the talking. Use it as a conversation starter to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.
  • Move for Movember: Get active by walking or running 60 miles throughout the month – one for every man lost to suicide each hour. This not only raises awareness but boosts your own physical and mental health in the process.
  • Host a Fundraising Event: From bake sales to trivia nights, fundraising events are a fun way to rally your community and raise money for Movember’s initiatives.
  • Rally Your Friends: Encourage your family and friends to support your efforts in raising awareness around men’s health. Whether it’s through donations, attending events, or even joining you in growing a mustache, every bit helps.

True North with Movember for Men's Health This program offers guidance to men with prostate cancer, helping them make informed decisions about treatment and recovery. Movember aims to provide support at every stage of the journey, from diagnosis to life beyond treatment.

They work to transform the way you make informed decisions, receive care, manage symptoms and share lived experiences — by supporting and guiding you through every step of the prostate cancer journey.

Many men with prostate cancer have questions about treatment, common changes to sex and intimacy, unexpected bathroom trips, and much more. True North provides online tools, education and resources that tackle these life changes head on, so you feel more empowered to manage them. Your quality of life is of the utmost importance.

With more knowledge and free, personalized tools, we aim to help more men take charge of their health. Explore articles on our website to learn more on what to expect after treatment, how to cope with it all and where to find support.

Nuts & Bolts with Movember logoA program specifically for testicular cancer patients, offering resources to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the disease. Movember is dedicated to ensuring young men facing testicular cancer have the tools they need to reclaim their health and well-being.

Being diagnosed with testicular cancer can flip your life upside down. Fast. Nuts & Bolts is here to ease your uncertainty and help you make informed decisions from diagnosis, through treatment, and into life beyond.

Whether you need reliable information, have questions about what to do next, or want to hear from others who’ve been on the journey, Nuts & Bolts has got your back.

Nuts & Bolts is for you, wherever you’re at in your testicular cancer journey. Their resources have been created with the help of guys who’ve experienced this thing firsthand. Who best to learn from than those who’ve been there before?

Their approach to creating tools that help you tackle testicular cancer are based on research, real-life stories and lots of testing.

National Alliance on Mental Illness logo in blue

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or a cancer diagnosis, help is available. For immediate support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text NAMI to 741741. For those battling prostate or testicular cancer, Movember’s resources are there to guide you every step of the way.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, they are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 49 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

At CraneWerks, we take pride in supporting causes that make a difference, and Movember is one that hits close to home. With the alarming statistics around men’s health – from prostate cancer to mental health struggles – we understand how important it is to raise awareness and encourage action. Our team is united in this effort. Through CraneWerks Cares, our charitable initiative, we’re not just focused on supporting local organizations – we’re committed to backing global movements like Movember, ensuring our efforts help improve lives on every level. Together, we can strengthen our community and show that tough, hardworking guys take care of their own.

Join the Men’s Health Movement

Movember is more than just a month or a mustache. It’s about addressing the men’s health crises that men face head-on, ensuring that no man fights alone. By growing a mustache, moving for a cause, or hosting an event, you can be part of the solution.

As the Movember Foundation says, “For every Mo Bro and Mo Sister, we’re committed to keeping things fun, fresh, and inspiring.” So, let’s unite this November – for our fathers, brothers, sons, and friends – and help change the face of men’s health, one mustache at a time.

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