During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

Let’s face it men are known to be more indifferent towards their health, especially when compared to the efforts of women, who proactively and publicly address their health issues in a way not traditionally seen with men. As a result, today the levels of awareness, understanding and funding for support of male health issues, like prostate cancer and depression in men, lag significantly behind women’s causes such as breast cancer.

The reasons for the poor state of men’s health in Australia and around the world are numerous and complex and this is primarily due to a lack of awareness of the health issues men face. This can largely be attributed to the reluctance of men openly discussing the subject due to longstanding traditions, coupled with an ‘it’ll be alright’ attitude. Men are less likely to schedule doctors’ appointments when they feel ill or for an annual physical, thereby denying them the chance of early detection and effective treatment of common diseases.

The funds raised in Australia support equally the two biggest health issues men face – prostate cancer and depression. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue: the national depression initiative.

http://au.movember.com/?home