Welcome to November, the month where all your male friends and co-workers show up clean-shaven and baby-faced on Nov. 1 and look like western-movie villains or grizzly bears by Thanksgiving.
November is a big month for cancer awareness. “Movember” not only raises awareness for cancer it’s also a chance for men to show off their mustaches, goatees, mutton chops and other types of fuzzy face-warmers.
Here’s are some FAQs about the mustachioed month-long event:
Where did Movember originate?
Movember began in Australia in 2003 to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancers, according to the Movember Foundation. This foundation is a nonprofit that raised more than $21 million in 2016
What is the goal of growing facial hair for a month?
According to Movember’s U.S. Director Mark Hedstrom, “We are all about the mustache and only the mustache. What we’re asking men to do is participate by changing their appearance. What that fosters is a conversation.” Hedstrom said men can explain why they’re growing a mustache and start talking about men’s health.
Where is Movember celebrated?
According to the Movember organization, this month-long event has campaigns in 21 countries.
How can people participate?
To participate in Movember, start with a fresh face at the beginning of the month and “donate your face” until Nov. 30 by not shaving. You’re like a fuzzy billboard for mean’s health issues. You can get your friends and family to donate to the cause.
What if you can’t grow a mo’?
No problem. Not every man can grow a mustache, and that’s OK.
Women can participate in Movember by pushing the men in their lives to grow their mustaches and getting them to be active as part of Movember’s new “Move” initiative.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in the United States with an estimated 161,000 new cases in 2017, according to the National Cancer Institute.
How common is testicular cancer?
The NIH estimates that 8,850 people will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017.