November is the month that puts the spotlight on raising awareness of men’s mental and physical health. Topics that often go unspoken. Around the world, this month is also known as Movember. It’s a movement that goes far beyond a play on words or a fashion trend. Its signature is the moustache men grow throughout the month as a symbol of support, awareness and solidarity in the fight for life and health.
This year, we launched a Movember campaign to highlight four key issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention among men. Throughout November, a portion of the proceeds from every online order will be donated to the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, because we believe that every contribution – big or small – has the power to change lives.
Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – solidarity that inspires
The Movember movement began in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when two friends decided to start November with clean-shaven faces. They spent the entire month growing only moustaches, while encouraging their friends to do the same. From the original 30 men who took part, each contributed a symbolic 10 dollars, and all the funds raised were donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. What started as a fun challenge soon grew into a serious movement with a mission to raise awareness of men’s health.
Over the years, Movember has grown into a global phenomenon. Thousands of men around the world, known as Mo Bros, grow moustaches as a symbol of support. Women, the Mo Sisters, play a vital role as well, by encouraging participation, lending their support and actively helping to raise funds and awareness.
This year, we want to be part of the community by encouraging men to grow moustaches, talk about their emotions and schedule check-ups. At the same time, we invite women to support them, listen and take part in their own way through our campaign, “When You Draw Support Instead of a Lip Line”. The idea is to use a lip liner to draw a line above the lip in the shape of a moustache, and become a part of the movement and campaign with one shared goal.
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Why Movember Matters
Prostate and testicular cancer are serious illnesses, and early detection can save lives. Unfortunately, one topic that is rarely discussed is the importance of visiting a urologist. As a result, many men still do not attend regular check-ups or talk openly about their health. Movember reminds us that caring for your body and mind is not a weakness or something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it is essential, courageous and reflects responsibility toward yourself and others.
Mental health deserves the same attention. For a long time, there has been a narrative that men should not show their emotions, alongside an often-misguided idea of masculinity summed up by the phrase, “Men don’t cry”. As a result, depression, anxiety, everyday stress and feelings of loneliness often go unnoticed. Yet, conversation, support and understanding can truly save lives. That’s why we want to encourage men to seek professional help, while also inspiring all of us to support them, offer encouragement and show that they are not alone.
Movember – Every Day, Every Month
November reminds us that men need support every month, too. So don’t put off preventive check-ups. Listen to your body and seek professional help when needed. Talk about your feelings and emotions, because that is the true definition of masculinity.
All of us – family, friends, colleagues – can and should be involved. Encourage the men in your life to take care of themselves. Offer a listening ear, or simply show a small act of support.
Let moustaches each November be a symbol of courage, care and solidarity. Let’s support Movember and show that togetherness, attention and open conversations about health – both physical and mental – create safer, stronger communities and help save lives.
