Greater Boston Urology Blog

What Is the Meaning of Movember? It's All About Men's Health

Written by GBU | Nov 2, 2020 5:30:00 PM

It's Movember, and you know what that means! It's time for all the "Mo Bros" to grow mustaches and beards to help raise awareness about important men's health issues, namely prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide risks among men. 

(And as two of our wonderful GBU team members in the above picture demonstrate, women can get in on the action, too, by sporting the blue "mustaches" that Movember has become famous for.)

But maybe we should back up for a second and answer some common questions, like what is the meaning of Movember, how did it originate, and how can you get involved? We've compiled our Q&A below.

As with all content on Greater Boston Urology's blog, the following information is educational in nature, not medical advice. Always talk to your physician about your specific questions concerning your urologic health.

[Editor's note: This article was reviewed and updated on 9/24/21.]

What Is the Meaning of Movember?

Movember is a global phenomenon with humble beginnings. Back in 2003, a couple of guys from Australia (or "mates" as they say) wanted to bring back the mustache to high fashion. Their efforts resulted in lots of conversation—so much so that they decided to put the PR to good use by raising awareness around important men's health issues, like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention.

The Movember Foundation started in 2004, and Movember USA launched in 2007 in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Today, Movember is celebrated around the world every November and boasts over five million Mo Bros and Mo Sisters.

Movember: Raising Awareness One Fact at a Time

Movember is all about raising awareness around incredibly important men's health issues, two of which pertain to the work we do at Greater Boston Urology: prostate cancer and testicular cancer. This Movember, we're doing our part! Check out the quick facts below.

Prostate Cancer Facts

  • One in nine American men will have prostate cancer during his lifetime. [Source: ZERO Prostate Cancer]
  • In 2020, it is estimated that there will be 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer and an estimated 33,330 people will die of this disease. [Source: National Cancer Institute]

Remember, early detection saves lives. Talk to your doctor about screening. And if you currently smoke, STOP!

Testicular Cancer Facts

  • Testicular cancer caught in the early stages has a five-year survival rate of 95%. [Source: American Cancer Society]

Testicular cancer symptoms can vary from no symptoms at all to symptoms that can mimic other conditions (for example, testicular pain or swelling). Bottom line: If you experience any changes and/or discomfort in your testicles, talk to your doctor.

Movember: How to Participate & Help

There are many ways to get involved in Movember.

  • Donate – No donation is too small! Your dollars will support programs that save and improve men's lives around the world.
  • Grow your winter fur – If you're a guy, you have permission to let it go! Grow that beard or mustache. If anyone asks why, you know what to do: TALK IT UP and raise awareness. (Sharing pics on social media is a must!)
  • Become a Mo Sister – Women, you can show your support by incorporating mustaches in your day-to-day fashion, whether the faux blue 'staches or jewelry (they make great conversation starters). Our Mo Sister pictured to the right: GBU's Edymara Brito, Medical Assistant.
  • Get involved in a Mo-Ment. Don't let the pandemic be an excuse! Movember events are happening virtually this year!

Is Something Feeling Off in Your Body? Get Checked!

You know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong, get checked! We can help. Make an appointment with one of our wonderful physicians at Greater Boston Urology.
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