Movember, also known as “No Shave November,” is an annual event that helps raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

Participants typically grow out their mustaches or beards throughout the month and share their progress on social media to help spread the word. However, many people may not know that having a mustache can actually have cancer-saving benefits.

History of the Mustache

The mustache has been a symbol of masculinity and power for centuries. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs would often wear false beards or mustaches as a sign of their authority. In ancient Greece, a thick mustache was considered a sign of nobility and honor.

During the Victorian era, mustaches became fashionable among European and American men, with styles ranging from the iconic handlebar mustache to the pencil-thin “toothbrush” mustache.

Mustaches and Skin Cancer

A recent study found that having a mustache can actually help protect against skin cancer. The study, which was published in the Australian Journal of Dermatology, looked at 200 male patients who had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

The researchers found that men with mustaches had a lower incidence of skin cancer on their upper lip compared to men without mustaches. This is because the mustache helps to block some of the sun’s harmful UV rays from reaching the skin.

Mustaches and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. However, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of survival.

One study found that men with a family history of prostate cancer who grew out their mustaches during Movember were more likely to get tested for the disease. The study, which was published in the Journal of Urology, found that men who participated in Movember were more likely to discuss prostate cancer with their doctor and get screened for the disease.

Mustaches and Mental Health

In addition to raising awareness and funds for cancer research, Movember also focuses on men’s mental health. Men are often hesitant to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma and societal expectations of masculinity.

However, talking about mental health can help break down these barriers and encourage men to seek the help they need. Movember aims to reduce the number of men who die by suicide each year and improve access to mental health services.

Tips for Growing a Mustache

If you’re thinking about growing out your mustache for Movember or just for fun, here are some tips to help you get started:.

Be patient. It takes time for a mustache to grow, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look exactly how you want it to at first.
Keep it clean. Use a comb and beard oil to keep your mustache looking neat and tidy.
Get rid of itching. Massaging with coconut oil can soothe itching associated with growing a beard or mustache.
Find the right style. There are many different styles of mustaches to choose from, so find one that suits your face shape and personal style.

Conclusion

While having a mustache may not be a substitute for regular cancer screening and mental health care, it can serve as a conversation starter and help raise awareness around men’s health issues.

So, whether you’re growing out your mustache for Movember or for fun, take pride in your facial hair and use it as a way to spread the word about the importance of men’s health.