November is a sign of three things - fireworks, freezing cold weather and ridiculous moustaches appearing on blokes who would usually be clean shaven.Sure, it seems like a bit of fun: but Movember is all for a very good cause.
Movember, what is it exactly?
Movember is there to create awareness around male cancers and male mental health - two things that don't get near enough attention during the rest of the year. Growing a moustache when you usually wouldn't sport one is not only raising awareness, but is hopefully raising money whilst you're at it.
Britain is the country of the 'stiff upper lip' - especially amongst men. Which is why movember is all the more important. Men are typical of going through life without confronting their problems head on, instead brushing them under the carpet and not giving them the attention they need and deserve. Men are typically a reserved gender, and are usually shy about coming forward about depression and anxiety - and yes, don't always feel comfortable coming forward after finding a lump on their balls!
Most men wouldn't even dream about allowing a GP to stick a finger up their anus, yet Prostate Cancer is the second biggest cancer affecting men today. And, tragically, the numbers are set to double over the next 15 years.
According to the Movember Foundation, one man dies ever hour from the killer disease.
Why should I care about Movember?
When it comes to prostate cancer, the greatest risk is age! Which is why it is recommended that men above 50 have a conversation with their GP about it and consider whether a rectal examination is possibly the best thing for them!
People with symptoms such as getting up a lot during the night to pee should also present themselves at their Doctor's surgery.
This is why movember is such an important cause. It is aiming to reduce the number of men dying prematurely from cancer, and trying to encourage men to open up more about any mental health issues that they may be facing.
The Movember Foundation aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely from prostate cancer by 25% by the year 2030.
How can I get involved in movember?
1) Get sponsored to grow a moustache for 30 days.
2) Take the 'move challenge' - which is where you get sponsored to be more physically active.
3) Host an event - you could host a tea party, a BBQ, a movie night... anything! As long as you are bringing in the cash for a brilliant cause!
