Every November, men put down their razors and clippers for a worthy cause. The trend, known as No Shave November or Movember, is meant to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other men’s health issues. Now, what began as a small group of only 30 men has grown into a global movement that has successfully raised over $147 million for cancer research and awareness.
The First Movember
The tradition began in 2003 when two friends in Australia sat in a bar, discussing where the mustache trend had gone. After seeing a friend campaign for their mother during breast cancer awareness month, the two were inspired to start their own campaign for men’s health awareness. They decided that letting their facial hair grow would be a symbol to represent men’s health awareness, much the same way the Pink Ribbon has come to represent breast cancer awareness. Together, they came up with the official rules, charging $10 to grow a “mo” during the month of November, and challenging others to do the same. In the first year, they recruited 30 members, but the trend would quickly expand in the following years.
Rapid Expansion
By 2007, the Movember movement had officially launched a partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation in the U.S., and raised over $20 million in funding for prostate cancer research. By this time the number of registered members had grown to 134,171 “Mo Bros.” Last year the campaign was promoted by 22 countries, raised $147 million in funding, and was ranked by the Global Journal as one of the top 100 charitable organizations.
Not Just for Men
Movember is not just for men – ladies are also encouraged to support a “Mo Bro” or sport mustache themed apparel during the month of November. Mo Bros affectionately refer to the women who support them as “Mo Sistas.” In addition to wearing Movember themed accessories and apparel, women can also help register friends, gather donations, and get the word out.
Gala Partés
As Movember draws to a close, supporters gather together one last time at “Gala Parté” events around the world where they can participate in beard competitions, “Miss Movember” competitions, and connect and share their Movember stories. Individuals who raise $100 or more in donations qualify for free entry, and ticket sales from other attendees are donated to the cause.
Celebrate Movember in Las Vegas
It’s not too late to celebrate Movember in Las Vegas. Visit the official Movember site, for more information and make sure to participate in the upcoming events including the Mustache Dash 5k run on Fremont Street on November 30th or attend the Mo Party at the El Cortez on the same date.
The success of the Movember campaign shows that there’s an abundance of widespread support for men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer. This continued support brings hope to finding a cure in the future. To learn more about prostate or testicular cancer, or to find oncologists in Las Vegas, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network and UCLA, at (702) 952-3350.
