UW Combined Fund Drive

November 1, 2024

Shave lives this Movember

Paper moustache on booth props on blue paper background.

If you’re seeing a few more bushy moustaches than usual this month, it may be for good reason. For many, November is also “Movember” or its equally hirsute cousin, “No-Shave November.” The observation of either is a great excuse to let one’s facial hair grow freely in a highly visible campaign to increase awareness of men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental illness.

Lack of attention to men’s health has devastating effects. Men die on average five years earlier than women for often preventable reasons. This is due, in part, because men have traditionally been conditioned to bury emotions and avoid asking for help.

The aim of Movember and No-Shave November movements is to shine a light on the physical and mental conditions that affect men while also providing them with necessary resources and a strong community to promote healthier, happier and longer lives.

Brothers in facial hair

The nonprofit No-Shave November was founded in 2009 by the family of Matthew Hill, who passed away from colon cancer in 2007. The organization and movement is dedicated to growing awareness of men’s cancers and raising funds to support prevention, research and education.

More than $12 million has been raised for cancer organizations through No-Shave November.

Movember was established in 2003 when two friends in Australia began advocating for a month  of moustache-growing as a means of raising awareness for the high rates of cancer and suicide in men. The symbol of the moustache has become akin to the iconic pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness.

A collage of mustachioed menMore than 6 million participants in over 20 nations have registered for Movember activities. And the UW Combined Fund Drive member nonprofit Movember Foundation (charity code 1481696) has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally since its founding.

Time to talk about men’s health issues

Movember Foundation offers a snapshot of men’s health in the the U.S., noting that the reasons for the poor state of men’s health are numerous and complex. They include:

  • A lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face.
  • A resistance to openly discussing men’s health and feelings.
  • A reluctance to take actions when men don’t feel physically or mentally well.
  • A greater tendency to engage in risky activities that threaten their health.
  • A 24% lower likelihood than women to visit a doctor in a given year.

Support a growing movement

To join the cause, consider “Growing a Mo” or “Moving for Mental Health,” by running or walking 60 miles during November in remembrance of the 60 men lost to suicide every hour across the world.

You can also set up monthly payroll deduction or make a one-time gift through the UW Combined Fund Drive to support the Movember Foundation or other UWCFD-member nonprofits working to better men’s lives and support their health.

Movember Foundation – Strives to “change the face of men’s health” and encourages conversations about men’s health while also raising funds for organizations addressing testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health (charity code 1481696).

Prostate Cancer Foundation – The world’s largest philanthropic supporter of prostate cancer research with the urgent goal of discovering and developing new treatments and, ultimately, a cure (charity code 0524527).

ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer – A source for information, mobile screening for underserved communities and a voice in government in the fight to defeat prostate cancer (charity code 0316051).

Family Jewels Foundation – Provides education about testicular cancer and financial support to young men whose family members are affected (charity code 1482031).

Updated from original article by Travis Hyde and Dean Speer.