What began with a conversation between two friends over a beer in a Melbourne pub has since evolved into a global movement that has fundamentally changed how we approach men’s health. This November marks 18 years since Movember officially launched in the United Kingdom, and the impact has been nothing short of extraordinary.
A Movement Takes Root
In 2003, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery sparked an idea that would grow into something far greater than they could have imagined. Their initial challenge to bring back the moustache caught on quickly, and by 2004, they formalised the concept to support prostate cancer research. What started with just 30 “Mo Bros” in Australia rapidly expanded across continents.
By 2007, Movember had crossed the Atlantic and established itself firmly on British soil`. Justin Coghlan launched the UK campaign in partnership with The Prostate Cancer Charity (now Prostate Cancer UK), marking the beginning of a transformative journey for men’s health awareness in Britain. That first year, over 134,000 participants across Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, and Spain raised an impressive £21.5 million, generating enormous awareness of men’s health issues.
Eighteen Years of Impact
Since those early days, Movember’s mission has grown exponentially. The organisation now addresses three critical areas: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Through dedicated research funding and community initiatives, Movember has supported over 1,320 men’s health projects globally, with substantial investments transforming care in the UK.
The statistics speak for themselves. What began with 30 men has mushroomed into a movement of more than 6 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas worldwide. Together, they have raised over £400 million for men’s health causes, funding groundbreaking research and support services that are changing lives every single day.
In partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, Movember has invested heavily in the Movember Centres of Excellence, bringing together leading researchers across different scientific disciplines to tackle unanswered questions and accelerate progress towards patient benefit. The True NTH global initiative, also supported by Movember, focuses on improving prostate cancer survivorship care and support through international collaboration.
A Crisis That Demands Action
This work has never been more important than it is now. Men’s health in the UK faces a genuine crisis, and the numbers paint a stark picture. Almost two in five UK men die prematurely, before reaching their 75th birthday—that’s 133,000 men lost each year, often from causes that could have been prevented through early intervention, screening, and lifestyle changes.
A boy born in the UK in 2021 can expect to live four years fewer than a girl. This life expectancy gap reveals deep-seated health inequalities that affect not just men, but their families, partners, children, and communities. Furthermore, the disparity between the most and least deprived areas is shocking—men in England’s most deprived areas face an 81% higher rate of premature death compared to those in the least deprived regions.
Mental health is still one of the most important issues. Suicide stands as the leading cause of death among men aged 20-34, with three out of every four suicides in the UK being male. Globally, one man dies by suicide every single minute. Movember aims to reduce this devastating toll by 25% by 2030, working with mental health initiatives and support services across the country.
The reluctance of men to seek help compounds these issues. Research shows that 64% of men wait more than seven days with symptoms before visiting a doctor, whilst 31% wait more than a month. Many men report wanting to leave their GP practice due to a lack of personal connection, highlighting the need for more tailored, accessible healthcare services.
Grassroots Support Making a Difference
Alongside Movember’s large-scale initiatives, grassroots organisations are creating vital spaces where men can access immediate support. The Men’s Prosperity Club, a mental health support group based in Birmingham, exemplifies this community-led approach. Through their innovative Walk and Talk sessions, they’ve created a safe, judgement-free environment where men can discuss issues they might struggle to address elsewhere.
The Men’s Prosperity Club operates on principles of equality and open expression, where every voice matters equally. Their monthly sessions explore diverse topics—from mental health and finances to relationships and fitness—all essential aspects of modern masculinity. With over 4,500 men accessing support through online communities weekly, these initiatives demonstrate that when given the right environment, men will engage with their mental health.
The success of the Men’s Prosperity Club demonstrates a broader truth: when men are given safe, supportive environments, they will engage with their mental health. Their approach of combining physical activity with open conversation creates powerful opportunities for healing and connection. The group’s impact reinforces Movember’s core message: talking about the tough stuff saves lives.
Breaking Down Barriers
One of Movember’s greatest achievements has been normalising conversations about men’s health. The iconic moustache serves as a visible conversation starter, breaking down the stigma that prevents men from seeking help. Throughout November, those distinctive ‘taches prompt questions, which lead to discussions about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
The campaign’s approach is refreshingly practical. Beyond growing moustaches, participants can choose to “Move” by committing to physical activity or “Host a Mo-ment” by bringing people together for men’s health. These multiple entry points ensure that everyone can contribute to the cause in a way that suits them.
Movember also emphasises the importance of social connections. Research from Harvard University has shown that strong relationships with family, friends, and partners are the biggest indicators of long-term health and wellbeing. Yet Movember’s own research reveals concerning trends: almost a third of men have no close friends at all, and this situation worsens with age. Men aged 55 and over spend half the amount of time with friends compared to those aged 16-24, with over one in five in this older age group never seeing friends for a catch-up.
Looking Forward
As Movember marks its 18th year in the UK, the movement shows no signs of slowing down. The organisation has set ambitious targets: reducing the number of men dying prematurely by 25%, halving deaths from prostate and testicular cancer, and cutting male suicide rates by a quarter—all by 2030.
Achieving these goals requires continued commitment from individuals, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It demands that we challenge traditional masculine stereotypes that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. It requires investment in research, early detection programmes, and accessible support services.
Digital innovation is playing an increasingly important role. With 76% of men expressing willingness to use technology to improve their health, online platforms, mental health apps, and virtual therapy services are making support more accessible. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, with a 200% increase in mental health app usage demonstrating men’s readiness to engage with their wellbeing when barriers are removed.
A Collective Responsibility
Men’s health doesn’t affect men alone. Behind every statistic is a son, father, brother, partner, or friend whose struggle impacts those around them. When men’s health improves, families thrive, workplaces flourish, and communities strengthen. Conversely, when men suffer in silence, the ripple effects touch everyone.
The success of Movember over these 18 years proves that change is possible. What started as a joke about facial hair has evolved into a sophisticated, evidence-based charity that funds cutting-edge research, supports innovative healthcare programmes, and saves lives. The movement has demonstrated that when men are given permission to be vulnerable, when they’re offered spaces to talk honestly about their struggles, and when they’re supported by their communities, they will engage with their health.
This Movember, whether you’re growing a moustache, going for a run, hosting a gathering, or simply checking in with a mate, you’re part of something bigger. You’re continuing a legacy that began 18 years ago in the UK and has since transformed countless lives. You’re challenging the status quo and helping to create a world where men live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
The moustache remains the symbol, but the message runs much deeper: it’s okay to talk, it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to ask for help. After 18 years of Movember in the UK, that message is finally breaking through—and it’s making all the difference.
To support Movember or learn more about men’s health, visit uk.movember.com. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, organisations like the Men’s Prosperity Club, Samaritans and CALM are here to help.
