Movember is Men’s Health Awareness Month
A Movember message from Cancer Support UK’s CEO Mark Guymer
Each November, thousands of men grow moustaches in solidarity with a cause that’s as personal as it is powerful: Movember. It’s a light-hearted tradition with a serious purpose – encouraging men to take action for their health, both physical and mental – including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
This year’s theme, “Take Action for Men’s Health,” invites men everywhere to talk more openly, get checked regularly, and support each other. But taking action isn’t always easy – especially in a culture where men are often taught to stay silent about pain, illness, or vulnerability.
Warning: cancer can create isolation
At Cancer Support UK, we see the impact of that silence every day. Many men tell us that it wasn’t the diagnosis itself that hit hardest – it was the loss of identity, the fear of being seen as weak, or the sense of isolation that followed. Once treatment ends, those feelings can deepen. That’s why our Cancer Coach groups are such a lifeline. They offer a space where men can talk freely and reconnect with others who truly understand what they’ve been through.
We also know that small, practical gestures can make a big difference. Our Cancer Kits are designed to help people cope with the physical challenges of treatment – but they also carry a message of care and solidarity. For a man going through chemotherapy, receiving a kit isn’t just about comfort; it’s a reminder that someone out there understands.
The importance of empathy
And in the workplace, empathy can be life-changing. Too often, men return to work after cancer and are expected to carry on as before. Through our Workplace Cancer Support Training, we’re helping organisations learn how to talk about cancer in ways that are open, compassionate, and constructive. Creating that culture of understanding is a key part of closing the empathy gap – a theme that resonates deeply with Movember’s mission.
Ultimately, taking action for men’s health isn’t just about check-ups or fundraising. It’s about changing the conversation – making it normal for men to ask for help, talk about their mental health, or share their fears without shame.
Keep talking with and checking in on those with cancer
So this Movember, whether you grow a moustache, book a check-up, or simply check in with a friend, remember that every act of empathy counts. Together, we can create a culture where men feel supported to take action – and to live well, during and beyond cancer.
