Movember, among the world’s leading charities dedicated to improving men’s health, has transformed the way we approach serious issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Every November, millions of participants worldwide grow out their moustaches—or “Mo”—to spark conversations, raise awareness, and collect funds for these important causes. The movement has gained massive traction since its inception, and Canada has been a key player in the global effort to tackle men’s health challenges.
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The power of Movember in Canada
Movember has a strong presence in Canada, kicking off its annual campaign on November 1st, 2007, marking this year as the 18th annual campaign. Since its start, Canadian participants have raised a staggering $362.1 million for men’s health causes, with $22 million raised in 2023 alone.
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Movember isn’t just about growing a moustache; it’s about addressing an alarming health crisis. Too many men are suffering from preventable health conditions or dying too young. Globally, men live an average of five years less than women, and suicide rates are tragically high—one man dies by suicide every minute worldwide. In Canada, 1,185 men between the ages of 15 and 54 died by suicide in 2022, meaning nearly three men per day lost their lives to mental health struggles. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action.
Let’s talk masculinity
If you’re in Toronto, there’s an event happening you need to know about. On October 18, Movember is hosting an in-person event that includes a panel-style discussion with some incredible panelists and moderated by yours truly.
Among the speakers include:
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- Tychon Carter, public speaker and the first black winner of Big Brother Canada.
- Dr. Ellen Choi, an Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University who’s research examines employee mental health and well being.
- JP Saxe, the Grammy nominated and JUNO winning singer songwriter who’s music has been streamed over a billion times and uses his platform to spread positivity.
The event will take place at the Globe and Mail Centre on Friday October 18 at 11:30am. Admission is free and tickets can be reserved on a first come first serve basis here.
The global health crisis for men
Movember’s mission revolves around the stark statistics surrounding men’s health:
- Prostate Cancer: Every year, over 1.4 million men are diagnosed globally, with the numbers expected to rise to 2.3 million by 2040. In Canada, prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men. Shockingly, 4,708 men lost their lives to this disease in 2022—nearly 13 per day.
- Testicular Cancer: This cancer predominantly affects younger men, and it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 15-40. In 2022, 39 Canadian men died from testicular cancer, a fact made more troubling by how unaware many men are about this disease. Research shows that 75% of Canadian men aged 15-40 don’t know that it’s the most common cancer in young men, and 1 in 4 have never checked themselves for irregularities.
- Mental Health and Suicide: Mental health is another critical area of focus. Men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women, with over two-thirds of global suicides being male. Indigenous and Inuit men face even higher risks, with suicide rates nearly nine times higher for Inuit men compared to the rest of the population. In Canada, stress levels are particularly high in men aged 35-49, with 27.1% reporting that most days are stressful.
How to get involved
Movember offers a variety of ways to participate in their mission to improve men’s health:
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- Grow a Mo: One of the most iconic symbols of Movember is the moustache. By growing out facial hair for the month of November, participants spark conversations about men’s health and raise funds. It’s a simple, visible way to show support.
- MOVE for Movember: Movember’s physical challenge encourages participants to stay active throughout the month. By setting physical goals, participants can promote both physical and mental health while raising money for the cause.
- Host an Event: Hosting a fundraiser or event is another powerful way to get involved. Whether it’s a fun run, a charity dinner, or a virtual gathering, events provide an opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness, and collect donations.
- Donate: Even if you’re not growing a moustache or participating in a MOVE challenge, you can still make an impact by donating. Every dollar raised helps fund critical research and support services for men facing cancer, mental health challenges, and more.
Why men’s health needs urgent attention
Movember’s work is more important than ever as men’s health statistics continue to reveal an urgent need for change. Prostate cancer cases are expected to double globally by 2040, making early detection and treatment essential. Movember stresses the importance of talking to your doctor and understanding your personal risk factors to catch the disease early.
For testicular cancer, many young men remain unaware of the risks. Movember encourages men to “know what’s normal” by regularly checking themselves for any changes. Early detection is key to improving survival rates for both prostate and testicular cancer.
When it comes to mental health, Movember emphasizes the need to “spot the signs” and encourage open dialogue. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, family member, or colleague, talking about mental health struggles can be lifesaving. Movember aims to break the stigma that keeps many men silent about their mental health challenges and prevent avoidable deaths.
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Join the “Mo”vement
Movember isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about saving lives and ensuring men live longer, healthier, and happier lives. You can make a difference by signing up at Movember.com and choosing how you’ll contribute—whether by growing a moustache, taking on a MOVE challenge, or hosting a fundraiser.
If you’re ready to get involved or want to learn more about where your donations go, visit Movember.com and join the cause that has already transformed countless lives. Raise funds, save lives, and help change the future of men’s health.
As Movember continues to grow, so too does its impact. With a focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention, Movember is leading the charge in ensuring men receive the care and attention they need. By participating in Movember, you’re not just growing a moustache—you’re taking a stand for men everywhere.
