We have to be the biggest champions of our own health, as men
Every year, Movember inspires men to grow out their moustaches to raise money and spark crucial conversations about men’s health
For 15 years, Movember has worked to ensure that Canadian men care for their mental and physical well-being. As the name implies, the month formerly known as November is when the organization runs its largest fundraising campaign. However, what many don’t realize is that Movember is active all year, working to raise awareness and funds for critical men’s health programs.
Movember works in three main areas: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The organization has funded over 1,250 health projects around the world, with more than 300 in Canada.
“We have to be the biggest champions of our own health, as men,” says Todd Minerson, Movember Canada’s Country Director.
Minerson says much of that work requires pushing past masculine stereotypes that have men brushing
off pain rather than asking questions. It’s part of the big and varied picture that Movember presents when talking about men’s health.
“We’re most famous for growing the moustache. Thirty days in November, start with a clean slate and have some fun growing a moustache. In our world, there’s no such thing as a bad moustache. Every
“Mo” is a conversation starter,” he says.
Movember offers many programs beyond the facial hair. Among them is "Nuts and Bolts", which tackles testicular cancer while offering those diagnosed with tools to better handle their journey. The name alone offers a light-hearted feel to a diagnosis that leaves many men shaken each year.
Grant O'gorman of Vancouver was 26 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020. He knew something was wrong when he felt a pain in his nipples. As things progressed,
his doctor sent him for an ultrasound on his testicles.
"I found out I had three nodules on my left testicle," O'gorman says. "Three weeks after that ultrasound, I was having surgery to get my testicle removed."
O’gorman says his young age at the time demonstrates the importance of early detection. His role as a survivor also highlights the need to maintain your health even after successful surgery.
"Since then, I've just been getting monitored to see if it spread. And so far, it hasn't. Everything's good now," he says.
O'gorman stresses that men must be open and honest about their health. Managing the problem, he says, begins with recognizing it.
"Early detection is key. It could happen to anyone," O’gorman reminds Canadian men. "Every month in the shower, check for lumps, changes, different pains. If you can detect it early, you can prevent the spread."
O’gorman highlights how Movember's focus on cancer awareness goes hand-in-hand with the desperate need for open dialogues and mental health focus. Once you find something wrong, he says, you need to be able to voice it. According to Movember, 66 per cent of Canadian men believe men’s mental health is worse today than it has ever been. Eighty-two per cent consider mental health a priority.
Funds raised during Movember go towards the organization’s key focus areas of mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In order to reach a wider audience to spread awareness, Movember touts "Mo Your Own Way." This open-ended approach to fundraising has included selling paintings that members have made with their moustaches, knitting a giant scarf, and The Battle of Alberta: Medical School Edition.
Ultimately, the help in any form is appreciated and does a world of good, says Minerson.
In 2020 the Movember community, in 20 countries globally, raised over $129 Million. In Canada over 70,000 took part in Movember, raising more than $24 Million. The group spends 85 per cent of all funds raised on men’s health projects, offering transparency and accountability through their website at Movember.com.
Movember makes a difference for cancer research, mental health, and indigenous people. While the support of Canada keeps the group alive and doing good, it's how Canadian men support each other that does the same.
"There's two things we can do for ourselves and other men," Minerson reminds us. "That's to start talking about it and invest in our own health."