Movember: A Month To Grow a Moustache, Raise Awareness

If you have noticed a growing number of men growing facial hair above their lips as of late, they may be celebrating Movember, a month where men grow moustaches to raise money for prostate cancer research. Originally started in Australia, Movember has grown into a full-blown "international men's movement", according to Stephen Campbell, a Vancouver resident who has grown a 'stache the last two years.

"During the month of November, if people see you with a moustache they kind of assume you're doing it," says Campbell. "Last year, I was outside of a bar and somebody saw my moustache and he looked at me and said, 'Movember!' You do get recognized for it."

Each year, the normally clean-shaven Campbell asks friends and family to sponsor his moustache. He even asks the first person to sponsor him to pick the style of moustache he will grow. This year, Campbell's sister requested that he grow a twirly moustache styled after former Major League pitcher Rollie Fingers.

While Movember is good fun and for a good cause, Campbell admits that there is a downside. "It's cool for the first couple of days and then it starts to get itchy," he says. Girls won't talk to you, everybody thinks you're a creep. It starts to wear on you after a while."

At the end of the month, Campbell and countless other Movember participants around the world attend a party to bid adieu to their soup strainers.

Movember has gotten so big that many men grow moustaches in November even if they aren't raising money for charity. Those that are, however, tend to follow a few guidelines. "It's gentleman's rules," says Campbell. "You can't have your moustache attach to a goatee or sideburns. You have to start growing on November 1. You respect the rules that they have and respect the charity."

Movember started in 1999 by a group of men in Adelaide, Australia. Starting in 2004, the Movember Foundation has run events in Australia and New Zealand. The movement has spread to several countries around the world, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Spain. It's also increased its scope beyond prostate cancer to include other health issues affecting men.

Campbell, whose father is a prostate cancer survivor, points out that Movember gives men a rare opportunity to talk about men's health issues. "The moustache is a conversation starter," he says. "People ask you why have it on your face. I've had numerous conversations with men about any health issue when they find out that I'm doing it. I think that's the great thing about it."