Not surprisingly, most men don’t like talking about prostate cancer exams. Not only is it a somewhat depressing topic, any conversation that ends up talking about fingers being put into unmentionable places somehow seems wrong to bring up. Add to that the feeling that the first guy to mention it is going to sound somewhat like a public service announcement, and you have generations of men who haven’t ever talked about one of the most important exams they can have done – and it’s one that can save your life!
Movember is seeking to change that dynamic. The premise is based on men shaving their faces clean on Oct. 31st and growing their mustaches out until the end of November. They collect money from sponsors to go towards supporting prostate cancer research, but mostly they talk about what they’re doing and why it is important.
And if talking about rectal exams is the height of awkwardness, talking about mustaches is second nature. The ease of one subject doesn’t quite make up for the nature of the first, but it does get men talking about exams and why they’re so vital. It completely removes the element of preachiness inherent to discussing health, and instead reduces it down to the common male bond of facial hair.
Movember started out as a grassroots movement. One night a group of friends in a pub in Adelaide, Australia decided they wanted to grow mustaches for charity. From that, they decided to focus it on men’s health, since mustache-growing is largely a male phenomenon.
The movement took off. It was a hit on social networks, and it even created its own miniature version. The Mo Space is a place for Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to connect and talk about what they’re doing to support Movember. Each person fills out their own profile, and you can see everything from inspiring pictures of Tom Selleck’s iconic mustache to tips on choosing a mustache wax to stories of loved ones lost because of prostate cancer.
Though it’s almost-cheekily named and favors MySpace heavily, Mo Space captures the entire sprit of the movement. Movember isn’t about mustaches; it’s about men connecting and doing something proactive for their health. There are very opportunities for men to do so right now. The pink ribbon is synonymous with breast cancer, but for men’s health there is nothing close to equaling the breast cancer pink ribbon campaign’s momentum.
Though it shouldn’t diminish breast cancer research efforts, prostate cancer needs a symbol, too. The mustache is quickly gaining ground. The more offices, churches and social groups that pick up the trend, the more the world is going to see it and think of men’s health. It’s sparked events around the globe (called Mo Parties) and even gala parties . The strength in Movember lies in the strength of social forces, so these gatherings aren’t a surprise as an extension of the movement.
Movember is only growing. Even if you’ve missed it this year, you can start prepping for next year or check out the team pages and support your favorite ‘stashes. Even better, you can talk to the men in your life about prostate cancer.
Be Sure to check out, join, and/or donate via 30 Mag’s mo-space site: Team30Mag. Donations are tax-deductible and go directly towards the Movember charity.
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