Are you tired of shaving? Have you ever wondered what a moustache will do for your social life? Do you fantasize sometimes about looking like Tom Selleck? Well, you are in luck! Movember Canada and its partner, Prostate Cancer would like you to make November, “Movember” and grow that moustache out! All money raised will go towards Prostate Cancer Canada, who in turn will use that money to fund vital research, better screening tests, treatment options, and support services.
Ryan Jespersen, host of Breakfast Television on CityTV in Edmonton, is heading up the Edmonton portion of Movember and holds this cause close to his heart. “My grandfather battled prostate cancer for 15 years before ultimately passing away. My uncle beat prostate cancer in his mid-40s thanks to early detection. I look around at the men I work with or play hockey or golf with and realize every effort I can make to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and treatment is an investment in our healthy future. If even one of my colleagues, friends or brothers gets checked and that exam saves his life - the value of the work we’re doing through Movember goes without saying.”
“It blows my mind to hear one in six Canadian men will battle prostate cancer. That’s just about the same ratio as women who will fight breast cancer, yet awareness (and fundraising) relating to prostate cancer pales in comparison. Cancer doesn’t differentiate between gay or straight. Prostate cancer is treatable often times if detected early. By encouraging our friends, brothers, fathers and partners to get an annual checkup after they turn 40, we’ll be able to keep more of those we love in our lives for longer.”
According to Prostate Cancer Canada, this particular strain of cancer can often go undetected. “In the early stages, when the cancer cells are only in the prostate, the disease is very curable (a cure rate of 90% or better) with surgery or radiation. Unfortunately, during the early stages of prostate cancer there are few symptoms. In fact, many men in the early stages of prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. Without regular testing (PSA & DRE), it is very difficult to find early stage prostate cancer. If untreated, prostate cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body and produce secondary tumors (metastases). At this point, the chances of a cure are much lower. Prostate cancer can spread to any part of the body but common areas for spread are bones and lymph nodes.”
Movember reminds all men that regular check-ups are necessary, and funding is needed to treat and eventually cure Prostate Cancer.
Movember is a relatively new endeavour that began in Australia in 2003. Some friends decided over a few beers that moustaches were in definite need of a comeback, and men’s health needed a boost. These Mo Bros were inspired by the efforts made by women to fight Breast Cancer, and Movember was created. In 2004 they raised $55,000. This was the largest single donation a Prostate Cancer group has ever received. Word spread, and Movember is now celebrated globally. Last year alone, 47 million was donated to Prostate Cancer foundations all over the world, while 7.8 million of that came to Canada.
This event is simple to join. “It’s easy: grow a Mo! Check out [our website] and register before Movember 1st. Recruit a team and celebrate the fine art of growing a beautiful moustache for an entire month! We often refer to our Mo’s as furry ribbons - the prostate cancer equivalent of the pink or red ribbon for breast cancer or AIDS. People will ask why on earth you’re growing a moustache - use the opportunity to talk about why you’re participating in Movember - and encourage the men in your life to get checked! Encourage the women in your life to encourage the men in their lives to get checked! You are a walking billboard for the movement that’s changing the face of men’s health.”
Fun is also a main ingredient to the recipe of Movember! “We’re totally excited about Movember in Alberta this year. We’ve got motivated Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in Edmonton, Calgary and everywhere else ready to make this, the fourth year of Movember in Canada, the best one yet. In Edmonton specifically, we’ve got plans for a swanky Mo Sista party to kick off the month, the annual Movember Funspiel curling adventure and of course the annual Movember Gala on Friday, December 3rd. We’ve set fundraising goals that’ll shatter last year’s totals - more importantly, we want to see more fellas growing Mo’s than ever before!”
So what are you waiting for? Register for this great cause, and grow your mo’ in Movember! 