Is Movember Making a Financial Impact?

11/26/2012

This November, or “Movember” as the month has been appropriately renamed, is becoming about a little something other than turkey, football and family. Movember – mustache November – is about prostate cancer awareness, and the furry little accessories that come along with it are spreading like wildfire.

Join in on the fun -- and support a great cause!

 

Despite the popularity of this fun and goofy way to spread awareness – which we wholeheartedly indulge in and support – there is the question of impact. A recent article stated that though Movember has become wildly popular among young people and even certain celebrities, it doesn’t appear to be raising any additional money for prostate cancer as compared to previous years.

A similar critique of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October, has been voiced. Many feel that the notorious pink ribbon used to symbolize breast cancer awareness has become more of a marketing ploy to make big businesses money than a true cause to raise money.

Many are willing to get behind the cause, but a select few of those individuals are willing to donate actual money. Times are tough and not everyone can afford to contribute to every cause, of course, and by no means is choosing to grow a mustache the same as spending thousands of dollars on a pink campaign to support breast cancer. The real issue is setting realistic expectations for victims, survivors and their loved ones and supporters, and helping researchers get the funding needed to get that much closer to finding a cure.

So, if you can afford it, try giving a little extra this month besides that itchy upper lip accessory, and donate what you can to the cause. It’s a beautiful thing when education, research and fun can all blend together – and an even better thing if we can raise some money while making it happen.

Have you participated in Movember? Send us a picture at Discovery.Fit.Health@gmail.com and get your mustache up on Facebook or Twitter! Have any thoughts about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month or Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Share your opinions with us in the comments section!

By: Jen Wolfe

For More on Prostate Cancer:

Reduce Your Risk for Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Basics

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Comments

[Derek Wilson]

You bet I am participating in Movember! It transformed my attitude toward my health. Movember makes a difference in multiple ways.

It provides yearly funding for men's health initatives internationally, of course. Victims, survivors, researchers need this money on a yearly basis. I am happy to help.

Furthermore, the foundation operates a social media portal designed for exchange of science. This is part of Movember's Global Action Plan (GAP). It allows researchers and scientists to quickly and conveniently collaborate across international boundaries. Here Movember is actually doing something to aid research beyond just fundraising.

There are many ways to raise money for this cause. I donate my own money. I ask other people to donate, but I don't overdo it or get bent if they don't. When I log 50 hours of time working with Movember, my employer writes a check for $500. I buy merchandise from Movember sponsors. Several sponsors have places where if you upload photos of your 'Mo or log exercise, they donate to Movember. Commercial sponsers are required for success, even if you may wish the effort was not commecialized. That is just the way our world works.

I have heard people express concerns about possible abuses in the pink ribbon campaigns. I just know Movember is very far away from those kind of concerns. The topic of men's health is largely ignored in our political establishment and government medical institutions. Focus is urgently needed. Movember is helping do that.

[obat herbal]

I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here!