What is the meaning of Movember? Plus, 9 ways to participate
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Mustaches ready? Learn about the meaning and goals behind Movember, and 9 ways you can participate in the men's health awareness movement (no matter your gender).
Every year, men around the world put down their razors for the month of November and commit to growing mustaches for a good cause.
Movember is a movement to raise awareness—and funds—for illnesses that men face, including prostate and testicular cancers, and spark conversations around mental health issues. It helps break the stigma around men’s health and gives people an opportunity to open up about challenges they may be facing.
But the best part is, you don’t need to grow a mustache to participate in Movember. Here’s what you need to know to get involved and spark change in your community.
What is the meaning of Movember?
Movember is a men’s health awareness movement that’s held every November. The goal is to start conversations and raise funds for critical mental and physical health issues — with mustaches.
Sure, growing a mustache is a less common way to raise awareness and money than running a marathon or doing a sponsored walk, but that’s kinda the beauty behind it. It’ll spark conversations about men’s health wherever you go! A mustache might seem small, but it’s visible. And since men’s health issues are often overlooked, a whole month of facial hair makes it way more powerful.
How Movember started
Movember began as a simple idea between friends in 2003. A group of 30 men in Melbourne, Australia, decided to bring back the mustache — not for fashion, but to draw attention to men’s health. They called themselves the “Mo Bros” and set a goal to grow mustaches during November and start conversations about issues like prostate cancer that many men don’t openly discuss.
What started as a small local challenge quickly grew into something much bigger. By 2004, the founders had partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for the first official Movember campaign. That year, they raised $54,000 for prostate cancer research and awareness.
Since then, Movember has expanded into a global movement. Millions of people now take part every November, raising awareness and funds for men’s health initiatives. Today, Movember operates in over 20 countries and has funded more than 1,250 projects aimed at improving men’s health worldwide.
So whether it’s through growing mustaches, organizing events, or joining fitness challenges, Movember truly changes lives — and saves them.
What are the goals of Movember?
Movember is about making real, meaningful changes in men’s health. It focuses on tackling some of the most significant health challenges men face through awareness, research, and support. Every mustache grown, dollar donated, and conversation started can make a difference. Here are some of the main goals.
Raising awareness: It can be tough for men to open up about their physical and mental health concerns, so one of Movember’s main goals is to get people talking. Movember works to fight stigmas and help men to have open discussions. It’s a great reminder that it’s okay to get personal.
Funding innovative research: During Movember, people raise funds to support charitable organizations and groundbreaking research. This includes developing better prevention measures and treatments for prostate and testicular cancer, and improving mental health care for men.
Providing support: Movember aims to tackle the isolation and struggle of living with health difficulties by offering programs and resources to support men during cancer or mental health challenges. Through mental health initiatives, peer support networks, or survivorship resources, Movember helps men through these tough times so they don’t have to face these battles alone.
Encouraging early action: Screening for diseases like prostate and testicular cancer early can make a huge difference in treatment outcomes. Movember promotes regular health check-ups, self-exams, and education so men can take action before it’s too late.
Reducing suicide rates: Did you know that three out of every four global suicides happen in men? Movember works to tackle this crisis by funding mental health programs, advocating for better access to care, and creating campaigns that reduce the stigma around seeking help.
10 reasons that Movember encourages health screenings for men
Movember encourages men to get regular screenings, especially for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues as well. Here are some fast facts about why men should prioritize health screenings:
Approximately one in eight men (in the U.S.) will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Your risk increases with age, especially after 50.
Family history and ethnicity (e.g., being of African or Caribbean descent) can raise your risk.
PSA blood tests can help detect prostate cancer early.
Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men aged 15-40.
Self-exams are essential for early detection. (Symptoms include swelling, pain, or a lump in one or both testicles.)
Testicular cancer has a high survival rate, especially when caught early.
Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues.
Suicide rates are higher among men: three out of four global suicides being male.
Social pressure, stigma, and lack of resources often prevent men from seeking help.
How to participate in Movember: 7 tips to get involved
Movember is all about taking action for men’s health, and anyone, regardless of gender, can join in. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t even have to grow a mustache to make a difference (though sporting one is definitely a fun way to get involved!).
1. Grow a mustache (big or small, stylish or scruffy)
The classic way to participate in Movember, you start clean-shaven on November 1, then grow and groom your mustache throughout the month. It’s a conversation starter, a symbol of support, and a great way to raise awareness. Whether you’re going for a suave Clark Gable style or a bold Hulk Hogan handlebar, your mustache can get people talking about men’s health.
Try this: Share your progress on social media, and don’t forget to include a link to your Movember fundraising page.
2. Move your body for Movember
Not into mustaches? Get moving instead! You can also take on challenges, like running or walking 60 kilometers (about 37.3 miles) during November. Why 60? Because research indicates 60 men are lost to suicide every hour worldwide.
Try this: Set a goal that works for you, like daily walks, weekend hikes, or bike rides and get out there! You can do it solo, or get some buddies together and do it as a team. Consider spending some of your activity reflecting on the importance of what you’re doing by turning it into a mindful walk. Share your journey online to inspire others and raise funds along the way.
💙 Planning to head out on a walk? Try this Mindful Walking meditation with Tamara Levitt
3. Host a Movember event (mustaches optional)
Bring your community together by organizing a Movember-themed event. Why not try a trivia night, bake sale, or a sports tournament? You can even create an online event if that suits your crowd better. However you do it, an event can spread awareness and raise funds.
Try this: Make it fun and inclusive — encourage your guests to wear mustaches (real or fake!) and share facts about men’s health to start conversations.
4. Create or join a Movember fundraising team
Movember is even more fun when you’re part of a team, and friendly competition can make it even more engaging. Challenge friends, family, or coworkers to see who can grow the best mustache, cover the most miles, or raise the most money.
Try this: Post your fundraiser on social media, or talk to the person in charge of charitable events at your workplace to spread the word and encourage others to get involved.
5. Donate to the Movember cause
You might not be up for mustaches or challenges, but even just a simple donation can still make a big impact. The funds raised by Movember go directly to research, programs, and support initiatives for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
Try this: If you can, donate to someone participating in Movember, or send your donation directly to the Movember Foundation.
6. Share on social media
One of the easiest ways to support Movember is by spreading the word. Talk to your friends and use your social media platforms to share facts about men’s health, encourage others to get involved, and highlight the importance of early detection and mental health support. You could even share top tips to help men take care of their mental health, like Jay Shetty’s seven easy ways to improve your mental health.
Try this: Use hashtags like #Movember, #MensHealth, or #GrowAMo to connect with the global community, and share links where people can donate.
7. Encourage the men you know to go for health check-ups
Encourage the men in your life to take their health seriously. Remind them to schedule regular health check-ups, perform self-exams for testicular cancer, or talk to someone if they’re struggling mentally. A little nudge can make all the difference, and you could even hold each other accountable.
Try this: Frame it as caring, not nagging — let them know it’s about their health and your love for them. And if waiting for results triggers anxiety, check out our six tips for managing scanxiety.
Movember meaning FAQs
Why is it called Movember?
Movember gets its name from a simple combination of “mo” (short for mustache) and “November.” The movement started as a playful challenge among friends in Australia to grow mustaches during the month of November, but it quickly evolved into a powerful global campaign for men’s health.
The mustache has now become a symbol for starting conversations about serious topics like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. It’s visible and quirky, so Movember encourages people to break the silence around men’s health issues and take action.
Can women participate in Movember?
Movember is for everyone, not just men or people who can grow mustaches. Women, often referred to as Mo Sisters, can raise awareness, donate, organize events, or join physical challenges like “Move for Movember.” Remember: Fake mustaches are fun too!
Women can also help support the men in their lives by encouraging them to go for health check-ups, starting conversations about mental health, or simply being allies in the fight for men’s wellbeing. Everyone’s contribution matters, regardless of their gender.
How does the money raised during Movember get used?
The funds raised during Movember are carefully allocated to programs and research that focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health, and to projects that make a measurable impact on men’s lives. Movember aims to save lives, improve quality of care, and create a lasting legacy of better health for men around the world.
Funding groundbreaking cancer research
Improving treatment options
Developing resources that help men navigate their health journeys
Supporting mental health programs, including suicide prevention initiatives and community support networks.
Are there any other health conditions Movember focuses on besides cancer?
As well as testicular and prostate cancer, Movember also focuses heavily on mental health and suicide prevention in men.
Factors like societal expectations, stigma, and limited access to resources often make it harder for men to seek help for mental health struggles, and this leads to higher rates of depression and suicide. Movember funds programs that provide mental health support, advocate for policy changes, and encourage men to take proactive steps for their mental wellbeing.
How can workplaces support Movember initiatives?
Workplaces can make a big impact during Movember. Here are a few ways your workplace can get involved in supporting the mustachioed cause to spread awareness and contribute to improving men’s lives — both inside and outside the office:
Employers can support the movement by encouraging staff to grow mustaches, organizing fundraising events, or matching employee donations.
Workplaces can also use Movember as an opportunity to promote men’s health within the office by encouraging conversations about mental health, and sharing information about early cancer detection, mental health resources, or wellness programs.
Companies can host a “Move for Movember” fitness challenge where teams work together to raise awareness and donations
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