Movember is here! No, that wasn't a typo. For those of you who are wondering what Movember is, allow me to enlighten you. Movember is an annual event that takes place in the month of November. This event originated in Australia, to raise awareness for prostrate and testicular cancer, and its main aim is to "change the face of men's health". And as the name suggests, participant men across the globe, do not shave their moustaches for the whole month of November.

[caption id="attachment_8766" align="alignnone" width="300"] Movember raises awareness for prostrate and testicular cancer that affects men[/caption]

Let's get you well acquainted with this moustachioed month-long movement.

What exactly is Movember?

Movember began in the year 2003 in Australia, to raise awareness for prostrate and testicular cancer. Led by a non-profit Movember Foundation, it raised nearly 21$ million last year. In this month, men all over the world get a chance to show off their moustaches, goatees, handlebars, Fu Manchu or horseshoe! The idea is to grow a moustache and thereby change your appearance. This is enough to spark a conversation and from here, men can start talking about why they're growing a moustache and explain the importance of awareness regarding men's health. Also the money that you save by not grooming is to be donated for the cause.

Alternative movements...

Movember sparked off another alternative movement that's based on the same idea. It's called ‘No-Shave November' and was founded on the largest social networking site Facebook, in 2009. Last year, No-Shave November partnered with the American Cancer Society to help spread awareness for men's cancer. This organisation too encourages people to donate the money they would otherwise spend on grooming.

[caption id="attachment_8767" align="alignnone" width="300"] Participant men all over the world don't shave or trim their moustaches for the whole month of November[/caption]

What's the difference?

Movember is all and only about the moustache, while No-Shave November goes a little ahead. This means, participants chuck the razor and do not shave at all. This further means, all men are turned in grizzly bears by Thanksgiving.

How to participate?

If you want to participate in Movember or No-Shave November, simply shave off all your facial hair on the first of November and chuck the razor for the whole month afterward. This transition from baby-faced to furry-faced is sure to be noticed. That's not all though, you must raise awareness about various types of cancer that affect men. Read up and start a conversation with your friends on the topic. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and practice what you preach! There's also room for women to participate. They can either encourage the men in their lives to participate in the movement or skip the monthly waxing, shaving, or threading to donate the money used for grooming, on the noble cause.

Can't grow a mo'?

Not to worry! Not all men can grow a full beard or moustache, and its OK. But even the little specks of hair on your face can look good if left un-touched for a month. You can call them snowflakes of the face!

[caption id="attachment_8768" align="alignnone" width="300"] Grow your 'stache to raise some cash![/caption]

A li'l something about prostrate and testicular cancer...

Every man must know about these types of cancer. Prostate cancer, also known as carcinoma of the prostate, is the development of cancer in the prostate – a gland in the male reproductive system – while testicular cancer develops in one or both testicles. These are the most common type of cancer among men and mind you, they can occur at any age whatsoever. But you must note that cancer (especially testicular cancer) if detected early, can be fought with prevention and cure. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 29,000 people will die of prostate cancer this year and 8,820 people will be diagnosed with testicular cancer out of which 380 people will die from it.

That's some really scary but important information that you must share with all the men you care for.