Each November, a familiar wave of moustaches appears across workplaces, social feeds, and community spaces, but the movement behind them is far more than symbolic. Movember has grown into a global force for men’s health, championing critical issues including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Since its inception in 2003, the charity has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide, challenging outdated norms, reshaping health research priorities, and transforming the way health services engage with men.

The Men’s Health Crisis

Men’s health is facing an unprecedented challenge. Men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, often from largely preventable causes. This disparity reflects a complex interplay of biological, behavioural, and social factors; including reduced help-seeking behaviours and limited engagement with early intervention services.

The statistics are stark:

  • 10.8 million men globally are living with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
  • Testicular cancer remains the most common cancer in young men, despite advances in early detection.
  • One man dies by suicide every minute across the world – that’s more than 1,400 men each day. Men account for 69% of all suicides, highlighting the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis.

Changing the Conversation, Transforming the System

Movember’s mission is to tackle these challenges at every level – from funding innovative research to driving community-level engagement. Its approach is distinctive: meeting men where they are, listening to their experiences, and developing interventions that resonate across cultures and age groups.

The organisation’s impact spans multiple fronts:

  • Prostate Cancer: Funding groundbreaking studies in early detection, personalised medicine, and survivorship.
  • Testicular Cancer: Raising awareness among young men and supporting research into better outcomes for those diagnosed.
  • Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Redefining the way health systems support men’s wellbeing through digital tools, peer networks, and workplace mental health programmes.

Through its global reach, Movember bridges the gap between research, policy, and real-world outcomes. A mission that aligns closely with the goals of regulatory and healthcare communities working to ensure equitable, safe, and effective access to care.

A Shared Responsibility

For the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, Movember represents more than a campaign. It’s a call to action. Collaboration between research bodies, regulators, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders is critical to accelerating innovation in men’s health.

As new therapies, diagnostics, and digital solutions emerge, regulators play a pivotal role in ensuring that advances are evidence-based, safe, and accessible. By supporting initiatives like Movember, the sector can help close the gap in men’s health outcomes and build a more proactive, inclusive approach to wellbeing.

Join the Movement

Movember has shown that change begins with conversation, and continues through action. Whether it’s growing a moustache, hosting an event, or simply checking in on a colleague or friend, every small step contributes to a larger global movement.

Together, we can challenge stigma, advance research, and support men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

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