On Sunday I noticed something different about my brother Jerome. His face seemed…scruffier. It took me a while to notice that there were bits of fluff above his top lip and on his chin. “What’s that?” I pointed and asked. “That’s…MOVEMBER (said in sing-song voice)! You know…for cancer,” was his response.

Yes I am aware of the Movember phenomenon, but in the 28 years that Jerome has been my sibling, I have never…ever…seen hair on his face. Truth be told, I wasn’t sure he could grow facial hair! When I asked him exactly how he planned to support testicular and prostate cancer with this gesture, his response was that by growing a moustache, he was showing ‘solidarity’ with those affected by the disease.

My blog is therefore inspired by some of the well-meaning men of South Africa who, while are clearly trying to make a statement, may be going about things the wrong way. Movember seems to have become more of a ‘cool-factor’ to some, instead of having the impact it really should have on society.

First, guys, let me just say that I applaud even the most misinformed efforts to draw attention to the plight of testicular and prostate cancer, too long has there been a dark cloud of silence around these two forms of the ugliest disease known to man. But while you’re at it, why not educate yourself on the topic of the disease as well!

A good start is to log onto za.movember.com. Here you can register as a Mo-grower, make donations to someone you know, a team, an organisation or set up a donation chart for yourself. See point one of growing a ‘Mo’ is to motivate some sort of action. Get people involved in donating their time or money to the cause. Another push is to encourage blood donations!

The second point to growing a ‘Mo’ is to clue yourself up on testicular and prostate cancer (as well as others if you can) so that once a conversation about the fluff on your face starts, you can lead the chat towards vital information about the campaign, therein spreading the word! How can you create awareness without educating yourself on the key facts of the disease?

Here’s a quick brief on what Movember’s all about:

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research
The funds raised in South Africa support the number one and two male specific cancers – prostate and testicular cancer. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partner, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Together, these channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

So while you’re having fun growing your ‘Mo’ and attracting attention, be it for your male prowess or your flailing efforts to farm a respectable patch of hair under your nose, make sure you do it for the right reasons.

Today I asked Jerome how the fluff is fairing, he said, “I had an important meeting this week and I looked HORRIBLE!! So I shaved it…to look presentable…but next year I’m gonna go all the way!” And he will go all the way next year because donations, drive and dedication to a clear cause will be behind his efforts!

If Movember isn’t your thing, this month also marks the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg (20 November). These two brave hearts, Glenn Ambrose & Antony Pye, are looking for donations of R1 per kilometre for the 94.7km race! Bigger or smaller donations are welcome and all funds raised will go to Rainbows and Smiles charity. Their plight is endorsed by LeasSA and it’s a worthy cause indeed!

http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/glenn-riding-for-rainbows-and-smiles

http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/anthony-riding-for-rainbows-and-smiles

Catch me on Twitter! @MissGailis

Gail Swartz

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