Let it grow: changing the face of men’s health

Movember is more than a bit of a laugh as it’s getting men of all ages talking about prostate cancer says Arlene Harris.

The campaign originated in Australia in 2003 when two buddies experienced that rarest of things, a vision when drinking pints: they would resurrect the disregarded moustache and at the same time highlight the rise of prostate cancer (a disease which affects almost 3,300 annually in Ireland). Eleven years later, Movember is a global phenomenon.

“The idea originated in the pub one Sunday afternoon in 2003 and in the first year, 450 guys got involved and raised AUS$54,000,” Movember CEO and co-founder Adam Garone said on a recent visit to Ireland.