Movember: Mustaches With a Purpose

As November has come to a close, it is only proper to acknowledge the most important part of this month. Some might consider it Thanksgiving, others, “No Shave November” or “Movember”.

Many who participate in this special sub-hygienic event do so only because it is an excuse to care less about their appearance. It is little known that there are some who participate for a cause. The cancer cause.

A small project beginning in Australia in 2003, Movember now has 700,000 registered participants. The number has grown significantly from the 30 who began the project.

The project was initially only an attempt to bring the mustache back into social acceptance. Later, it was turned into a way to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer awareness was the chosen cause because the founders felt that it was a major male health concern and that mustaches fit right in with that category, since it is, typically, only a male attribute.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, breast cancer awareness is heavily supported by several major campaigns. Prostate cancer awareness hasn’t been spotlighted in any major way.

The mustaches are seen as billboards and conversation starters leading to monetary donations that flood directly into Movember and its partners, The Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Livestrong Foundation.

Vanguard men, next year, when you decide to participate in “No Shave November”, or “Movember”, or whatever you choose to call it, consider doing so with a purpose. Create awareness for Prostate Cancer and support the movement that began nearly 10 years ago in Australia.