If you’ve happened to notice an uptick in men’s mustaches in November, there’s a deeper meaning behind the fall facial hair trend.

The mustaches are a symbol for men’s health awareness — an initiative started by the only global charity dedicated to men’s health — Movember. 

Started in Australia in 2003 by two friends, Movember began as a way to draw attention to prostate and testicular cancers by donning mustaches during the month of November. The name “Movember” is derived from the combining of “mo” — the Australian slang word for mustache — and November. 

Since 2003, Movember has grown from an awareness effort into a full-fledged foundation that has campaigns in 21 countries and has raised millions for cancer research. 

What Movember and other men’s health organizations, such as the Men’s Health Network and Men’s Health Foundation, do during the month of November and all year long, is to encourage men to be proactive about their health, so they can live fuller, longer lives for themselves and their families.

So, why all the emphasis on men’s health?

According to lifespan data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women and mostly for reasons that are preventable.

Why the discrepancy?

Multiple surveys show that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women. A 2022 survey by the insurance company Aflac found that even though there’s improved access to healthcare — like telehealth — more than half of male respondents (57%) said they only go to the doctor when they are sick or have an accident. A 2019 survey by Cleveland Clinic reported that 72% of men they surveyed would rather do household chores then see their primary care doctor.

Reasons men don’t see the doctor

The Cleveland Clinic survey also found that men avoided the doctor for the following reasons: lack of convenience, cost of healthcare, not wanting to know something is wrong and the societal expectation that they shouldn’t complain about health.

In fact, traditional views on masculinity are often associated with men’s avoidance of the doctor. From a young age, men are encouraged not to cry, express emotions, or appear weak. Outdated societal norms for what is “manly” have had a lasting impact on generations of men who believe not seeing a doctor is the “tough” thing to do.

The purpose of men’s health initiatives like Movember is to raise awareness of preventable health problems, encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys, and change the conversation about why it is “manly” to be proactive about healthcare.  

Men’s health concerns

Starting at age 18, men should see an online or in-person primary care doctor regularly even if they feel healthy. In addition to screening for medical conditions, primary care doctors help assess risk for future health issues, encourage a healthy lifestyle, schedule vaccines and manage illness. Developing a long-term relationship with a doctor is proven to reduce the amount of time spent in the hospital and the development of chronic conditions.

Here are some of the top men’s health concerns:

Prostate cancer
Each year, an alarming number of men – 10.8 million globally – face a prostate cancer diagnosis. It is the second leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Because there are often no symptoms associated with the early stages of prostate cancer, baseline testing and screenings are important. The American Cancer Society suggests men talk with their primary care provider about prostate exams since recommendations on when to start screenings vary based on family history and age.

Heart disease
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in men. According to the CDC, 357,761 American men died of heart disease in 2019, representing 1 in every 4 male deaths. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes all contribute to heart disease. Ongoing care from a regular doctor can help identify health changes early before they progress into something serious.

Stroke
Strokes are a leading cause of death in men. The CDC reports that men under age 44 are hospitalized for strokes at a higher rate than women. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and staying active and eating healthy are essential to stroke prevention.

Diabetes
It may come as a surprise, but the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher in men than in women. Regular blood tests and an emphasis on a healthy diet and active lifestyle are crucial to helping ward off diabetes or get a diagnosis early before symptoms become severe.

Testicular cancer
Not a common cancer, but unlike many cancers, it’s more prevalent in younger men, particularly in their 20s or 30s. Testicular cancer is very treatable if caught early, however, most young men don’t know how to identify it. Self-exams and regular checkups with an ongoing doctor can help identify any issues early on.

Unintentional injuries
According to a 2016 research study, unintentional injury is the third leading cause of death in men. Falls, motor vehicle accidents, occupational injuries and injuries as a result of substance abuse are the top causes. The best advice is to remain vigilant and if applicable, talk to a doctor about substance abuse. If seriously injured, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room.

Seeing a doctor for routine health checkups and ongoing care goes a long way to improving men’s health outcomes. Annual visits that include blood pressure and blood glucose tests, physical examinations, cholesterol screenings, prostate exams, and more, are vital to keeping preventable conditions at bay and managing any current health issues. 

So, whether it’s by growing a mustache or having a meaningful conversation, November is a great time to advocate for and prioritize men’s health.

Looking for a doctor? HealthTap is a leading virtual primary care provider specializing in ongoing care. Discover a doctor you love and book a video visit online here.