Movember - moustaches for a good cause

Cancer and depression in men are rarely discussed in our society. The Movember Foundation is trying to change that: participants from all over the world grow a moustache throughout November to raise awareness of men’s health and collect donations.

But you can’t make a difference on your own: numerous events take place in November which, alongside fundraising campaigns, aim to raise general awareness of men’s health, encourage prevention and banish stereotypical gender roles from our minds. After all, illnesses are still often suppressed or trivialised, particularly by men. By growing a moustache, Movember participants symbolise their support for men affected worldwide – which also explains the name: the term is a combination of the words ‘moustache’ and ‘November’. The movement began in Adelaide, Australia, in 2003 and has developed over the last few decades into a major trend that is also gaining increasing popularity in Germany.

For your health

And there are good reasons for this: prostate cancer, for example, is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. By 2030, 1.7 million patients could be affected, doubling today’s figures. But mental health issues also have a significant impact on everyday life: 75 per cent of suicides are committed by men. Around 510,000 men take their own lives every year – that’s roughly one suicide every minute. It is precisely these often little-known facts that the Movember movement aims to highlight. And with success: since 2003, over five million ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’ have taken part, raising more than 500 million euros and launching over 1,250 health projects.

Dare to grow a beard

The trend is still in its infancy in Germany – quite unlike in countries such as the USA. This month, customers from the States visiting Eric:Barbier are often seen sporting moustaches. “My mate Todd from Boulder in Colorado is often in Germany in November and usually grows a moustache for Movember,” reports master barber Anthony Stölting. “Not all men here are familiar with Movember yet, but we’re trying to make the cause more popular.”

Patience for a good cause

Growing a moustache for Movember just takes a little time and patience. According to master barber Anthony, men should allow at least a month for this. Of course, those who grow a moustache during November are also part of the Movember movement. Incidentally, a moustache doesn’t require extensive grooming; products such as beard oil and – for those who like it – a bit of wax for styling are perfectly sufficient. So, very little effort for a good cause. Why not grow a moustache yourself and become part of the global movement?