Posted in Across the Web / Research, Mental Health, Movember, Trowbridge Service Users Group

What is Movember?

  Published Date: October 29, 2025
Movember is a global movement that raises awareness and funds for men's health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. It takes place during November, traditionally by men growing a moustache (a portmanteau of "mo" and "November") to start conversations and raise funds. People can get involved by growing a mo, running or walking 60km for the 60 men lost to suicide each hour, or by hosting a "Mo-ment" or other challenge.

“Movember” is a portmanteau of “mo” (Australian English slang for moustache) + “November”. (Wikipedia)
During the month of November, men (often called “Mo Bros”) grow moustaches — or sometimes engage in other fundraising/awareness activities — to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues: primarily prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health & suicide prevention. (Wikipedia)

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Origins & Early Development

Beginnings in Australia

The idea began informally: in 2003, in Melbourne, Australia, two friends — Travis Garone and Luke Slattery — were chatting about the disappearance of the moustache as a fashion trend and joked about “bringing it back”. They persuaded around 30 men to grow moustaches during November. (uk.movember.com)
In 2004, the movement formalised: the Movember Foundation was established and the campaign began raising money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. (au.movember.com)

Rapid Growth

  • In 2005: ~9,300 participants in Australia alone raising approx A$1.2 million. (au.movember.com)
  • By 2006–07: Campaigns expanded to include New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, Spain and others. For example, in 2007 there were ~134,000 participants and ~A$21.5 million raised. (us.movember.com)

Global Expansion

Over the next decade, Movember grew into a global movement. It now operates in 20+ countries. (Yours)
The Foundation reports more than 1,300 men’s health projects funded globally. (issmmovember.com)

Key Milestones & Facts

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  • The first dedicated campaign in 2004 raised the largest single donation ever received by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia at that time. (thedifferentialdx.com)
  • According to the 2022 Annual Report of Movember: funding has led to the development of 87 inventions, 148 therapies, 117 diagnostic tests for prostate cancer, and 178 clinical trials. (cdn.movember.com)
  • Participating countries include: Australia, UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, Finland, etc. (uk.movember.com)
  • Awareness and behaviour change stats: According to Movember, among participants: 99 % talked to someone about their health; 75 % became more aware of the health issues they face; 62 % had seen or intended to see a medical professional for key health metrics.

Impact & Effects

Awareness & Behaviour Change

The campaign hasn’t just been about fundraising — it’s about sparking conversations and altering behaviours.
Participants are more likely than the general population to discuss their health, check their metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.), and act on issues. (issmmovember.com)

Research & Health Outcomes

Funds raised have supported prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health research and interventions globally. For example:

  • The Global Action Plan (GAP) and TrueNTH programmes support new research, patient care pathways, improved outcomes for men living beyond prostate cancer. (uk.movember.com)
  • Through its global funding, Movember reports more than 1,250 (or 1,320 depending on source) men’s health projects worldwide. (issmmovember.com)

Fundraising Achievement

In terms of raw numbers:

  • Charts show dramatic growth in funds raised and number of participants over time. (Impactful Ninja)
  • For instance, the UK alone raised ~£12.8 million in one year (2019). (Yours)
  • The Funds raised by country chart shows major contributions from Australia, UK, US, Canada, New Zealand.

Challenges & Considerations

  • While participation and funds raised have grown, some reports suggest search interest and engagement have plateaued or declined in certain countries.
  • As with any large charity, there’s scrutiny over how funds are allocated, how effective programmes are, and how local vs global impacts are balanced.
  • The shift from purely moustache-growth novelty to broader men’s health activism may mean the core branding (“grow a mo”) risks being diluted if not refreshed.

Why It Matters for Men’s Health

  • Men across the world continue to face higher rates of certain cancers (e.g., prostate cancer) and higher rates of suicide and poor mental health outcomes. Movember helps to highlight these issues.
  • By combining a lighthearted “grow a moustache” hook with serious health messaging, it lowers the barrier for engagement among men who might otherwise avoid health conversations.
  • The peer/community element (“Mo Bros”, teams, Mo Sisters supporting) helps normalise men’s health checks, talking about mental health, and supporting each other.

What’s Next for Movember?

  • Continued expansion into new countries and cultures, with local adaptations of the campaign.
  • Focusing on sustainable impact: monitoring not just funds raised but actual outcomes (improved diagnostics, therapies, survivorship care).
  • Keeping the campaign fresh and relevant — adapting beyond the moustache motif while retaining recognisability and engagement.
  • Strengthening the link between awareness and follow-through (e.g., actual health checks, earlier diagnosis, improved treatment uptake).

Summary

Starting with just ~30 men in Melbourne in 2003, Movember has grown into a major global men’s-health movement. It has succeeded in raising large sums, funding hundreds of projects, and creating behavioural change among many men. At the same time it faces the normal challenges of maintaining momentum, evolving relevance, and proving long-term impact. For any community or organisation looking to improve men’s health, Movember offers a compelling example of how culture, fun, peer-support and serious purpose can combine.

Author: admin