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Health care

South African men show their support for Movember

26 November 2015

Several South African men steered clear of their shaving creams and razors for the whole of November as part of the international campaign to build awareness of men's health issues.

The Movember Foundation, an initiative started in Australia in 2003, is driven by the idea that men should live happier, healthier and longer lives. The initiative undertakes fundraising for research in male specific diseases and educates the public about men's health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and physical inactivity.

Watch why this South African shaved his beard, which was longer than 20cm:

About the campaign

Globally, stigma surrounds diseases that affect men, and often men don't talk about such "embarrassing topics". The theme for this year's campaign is "Shaped by Experience".

The underlying message was that if you chose to live well and followed a healthy lifestyle, and paid attention to your health and the warning signs, you could help to shape your future, said Garron Gsell, chief executive officer and founder of the Movember Foundation.

Movember encourages men to become Mo Bros – as supporters of the campaign are affectionately known – by signing up on the Movember website. The rules require each Mo Bro to start clean shaven on 1 Movember, and to grow and groom a moustache for the entire month, effectively becoming a walking, talking billboard for the 30 days of Movember.

Through the action of growing a mo, and encouraging others to do the same, Mo Bros prompt private and public conversation around the often ignored issues of men's health.

With the support of the women in their lives, or Mo Sistas, who are also asked to sign up on the Movember website, Movember is driving the message that early detection is key. Annual health checks are vital, along with a monthly testicular self-examination which can help make you aware of your body and able to note any changes.

See Local Mo Bros show off their moustaches:

Local Mo Bros

In South Africa, Movember is organised through the Men's Foundation, which holds the licence agreement for the campaign in the country. The foundation has partnered with its health partners the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) to formulate local programmes to help men in South Africa.

The groups hosted various activities throughout the month to fundraise and encourage the public to stay active.

Read about some of the activities:

Source: Movember Foundation and SouthAfrica.info reporter

Local Mo Bros promotes activities such as running, boxing and skate boarding in light of Movember. These men (and several women) make it their mission to educate the public about men's health issues and the importance of staying active. (Image: Screen grab via YouTube)

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