Movember: The Month of Hidden Issues

A person's moustache is something we don't usually think twice about, but in November they become impossible to miss. Movember turns what was just a small patch of hair into a big symbol for starting conversation about men's health issues that are too often hidden. The campaign focuses on issues that can be physically hidden, like prostate cancer or testicular cancer, but also issues that are socially hidden like men's mental health. Just by growing a moustache, people can encourage conversation and spread awareness.

Prostate cancer and testicular cancer can both remain physically hidden, making them a focus of Movember campaigns. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in older men, and it affects approximately 1 in 8 men during their lifetime.¹ A lot of the early symptoms, like changes in urination or slight discomfort are often seen as normal parts of aging which prevents people from getting a medical opinion. Even though screening is very effective, because of stigma and an overall lack of understanding of the disease, people avoid it. Testicular cancer affects a different age group, typically young men between 15 and 40, making it the most common cancer in that age range.² It usually starts as a painless lump, which is often dismissed as non-concerning. Since there's no large sign of the disease on the body, people often think the issue will resolve itself or they delay having it seen by professionals. Both cancers are considered hidden because they lack clear early symptoms and are not visible from the outside. Social discomfort around discussing men’s health makes it even harder to encourage early detection. The longer men delay these doctor visits, the more difficult treatment becomes later. In Movember, when someone grows a moustache they're opening up the opportunity for people to ask questions and start conversations about it. This allows for people to spread awareness and education about screening and the importance of understanding these silent diseases.

Aside from physically hidden issues, November is also men's mental health month. This aims to bring mental health challenges to light, as these are often hidden and kept within. Historically, men have been taught to stay quiet about their emotions, stress, anxiety, or sadness as these feelings can be perceived as weakness. However, dealing with these challenges internally and alone only make them more difficult to address and recognize. Movember encourages social connection and for people to be more open about their mental health. In fact, it's been scientifically proven that social support has real biological effects. Talking to someone and feeling understood can lower your stress hormones, while increasing your feel-good brain chemicals, helping with overall mood and emotional balance. This is even more important when considering that men account for around 75 percent of suicide deaths worldwide, and Movember highlights that 60 men die by suicide every hour.^3,4 You can think of it like a balloon. When someone holds everything inside, stress builds inside a person just like how a closed balloon gets closer to popping with more air. Sharing how you feel is like untying the balloon and releasing air, lowering the pressure you feel. Movember encourages people to create more of these moments of release by normalizing check-ins, conversations, and community support.

There are several Movember campaigns people can participate in to help the cause and spread awareness. First, the famous “Grow a Mo” initiative uses moustaches to spark awareness. Next, the “Move for Movember” challenge encourages participants to walk or run 60 kilometers during the month, in honor of men who have had to fight poor mental health alone in the past. Community events, fundraisers, and team challenges bring people together and raise money for research, mental health services, and educational programs. Each effort contributes to a culture where conversations about men’s health become more open and more frequent.

Ultimately, the plain moustache perfectly symbolizes this movement and allows people to become advocates for the awareness of these issues. Something so simple is an integral part of a movement pushing hidden issues into the spotlight. Movember shows that talking about symptoms, scheduling screenings, and checking in on others can make a significant difference. These health challenges do not need to remain invisible. By growing a moustache, donating, participating in an activity, or simply sharing information, anyone can help promote awareness and support men’s health. A simple patch of facial hair may seem minor, but the conversations it creates can lead to meaningful change.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024: Prostate Cancer Key Statistics. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

2. National Cancer Institute. Testicular Cancer: Health Professional Version. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/hp

3. World Health Organization. Suicide Worldwide in 2019: Global Health Estimates. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643

4. Movember Foundation. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Available from: https://ca.movember.com/about/mental-health