MEDIA ROOM

Movember 101

Here you will find useful information and facts about the Movember campaign. Need specific information? No problem, just contact abbie@movember.com.

OVERVIEW

WHAT Movember is the global men's health charity engaging men to grow and women to support the Mo (moustache) for the 30 days of November.  Through the power of the moustache, awareness and funds are raised for men’s health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.
HISTORY Movember started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 with two guys who wanted to bring back a past fashion trend - the moustache. That year, 30 guys participated but no money was raised. In 2004, amazed by the fun they had and the conversations that were sparked, four of the 30 original members came together to make their Mo-growing an annual, official charitable endeavor by adding an important cause – prostate cancer.  That year, 450 participants raised $43,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Movember came to the US in 2007, with 2,127 participants raising over $740,000. This year, there will be official Movember campaigns in 21 countries.

In 2012, the US campaign saw more than 209,000 Americans growing and supporting the Mo, raising over $20 million for men’s health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.

A detailed history of the early years is contained in this Hairy Tale.
WHERE Movember moustache growth can be seen around the globe each November in 21 countries across five continents. To view the full list and for live registration and fundraising records visit Leaderboards.
HOW The growth of a moustache on an otherwise bare lip sparks both public and private discussion; Mo Bros effectively becoming a walking, talking billboards for men’s health for 30 days, raising funds along the way.

Participation is really easy - men and women register at Movember.com to grow or support a Mo.  Men start November 1 clean-shaven and grow their moustache for 30 days, getting friends, family and colleagues to donate to their Mo-growing efforts. Women are very important to the Movember campaign. Mo Sistas get involved in the same way as Mo Bros, except they don’t grow a Mo. They register at Movember.com, start a team, recruit the men in their lives to participate, donate, fundraise, and plan and participate in events.  

Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can celebrate their journey at official end-of-Movember Gala Partés, official locations TBD. 
WHY One of the biggest obstacles men tackle in regards to general well-being, is a reluctance to discuss health issues they face either with their partner, family or doctor. Movember was born from recognition that a fun and engaging initiative could help encourage men to become more actively involved in their own health. Movember aims to increase awareness and support for men's health by getting conversations started at a grassroots level, educating men about the health risks they face and raising vital funds for support programs.
FUNDS Movember, along with our men’s health partners Prostate Cancer Foundation and the LIVESTRONG Foundation work to ensure that Movember funds are supporting innovative, world-class programs in three areas: awareness/education, survivorship and research.

 

DEFINITIONS
  • Mo | Moustache
  • Mo Bro | Men who grow a moustache for Movember
  • Mo Sista | Women who love the Mo and actively support Movember and the men in their life  
  • Mo Mentor | Men who have shown long-term commitment to moustache style and inspire others in the hairy challenge
  • Gala Parté | Costumed extravaganzas held around the country at the end of November, to celebrate the outstanding efforts of the Movember community. Mo Bros dress to suit their Mo and Mo Sistas dress to suit their Mo Bro.
2012 CAMPAIGN FIGURES


Global                          

  • Participants: 1.1 million
  • Funds raised: $141.5 million

USA

  • Participants: More than 209,000
  • Funds raised: $20 million

For participation and fundraising figures of each Movember campaign visit Mo Milestones.

KEY STATISTICS

Men's Health | Why is Movember important?

  • In 2013, more than 238,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 29,000 men will die from prostate cancer.
  • One new prostate cancer case occurs every 2.1 minutes.
  • A man dies from prostate cancer every 18.6 minutes.
  • Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer.
  • The incidence rates for prostate cancer are significantly higher in African American men.
  • Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men.
  • 97% of prostate cancer cases occur in men age 50 and older.
  • 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, 1 in 3 women will be.
  • 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34.
  • 1 in 270 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer during their lifetime.
MO COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Community Stories
Every year the Movember Community share incredible stories with us, talking about their men's health journey and why they are passionate supporters of Movember. Visit Mo Stories to read some of these inspirational personal accounts.

To find a Mo Bro or Mo Sista in your local area happy to participate in media opportunities please contact abbie@movember.com.

Mo Culture
For all things moustache related, including practical tips and advice as well as general Mo facts and knowledge visit our Moustachery page and lose yourself in the world of the Mo.
 


Download a one page PDF overview of Movember here

News
Read up on all the latest news and highlights from Movember & Sons.
Mo Community
Grow, show and connect with your fellow Mo's.
Leaderboards
Check out the Mo fundraising totals from around the world.
Merchandise
Gear up with some Movember merchandise.
Men's Health
The quality of your health starts with you. Find out more.