Movember is the time to unite to tackle men’s mental health concerns, high suicide rates, prostate and testicular cancer. However the issue of men’s health should be on everyone’s radar, 365 days of the year.
Men’s health a 365 day focus
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For the month of November more local men have been seen with moustaches, supporting a cause close to the heart of many, Movember.
The Movember campaign, is a reminder that men’s mental health in particular should be a focus 365 days of the year, to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives.
Movember is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues.
Movember is an annual event that focuses on men’s physical and mental health concerns, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Participants of the movement, known as ‘Mo Bros,’ pledge to grow moustaches throughout the month and engage in fundraising activities to support men’s health programs.
The local community annually embraces this initiative, with several individuals you know and love, sporting a lip caterpillar, sparking conversations about the importance of men’s health.
Movember’s impact extends beyond moustaches. The movement promotes an open dialogue about men’s health and encourages men to seek regular check-ups and support when needed.
It has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of participants raising funds and awareness for men’s health causes each November.
The prickly stats
Did you know men on average will die almost five years earlier than women and are three times more likely to end their own lives?
The reasons are largely preventable, meaning this doesn’t have to be the case and there is more that we can do.
Movember places a significant focus on men’s mental health, as the statistics on mental health and suicide are alarming.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 15-44 years and two out of every five Australian men die prematurely, before 75.
- 67 per cent wanted to leave a healthcare practitioner due to the lack of personal connection.
- 63 per cent believe gender stereotypes affect health behaviours.
- 60 per cent of men wait more than seven days with symptoms before visiting the doctor.
- 53 per cent of men believe it is normal for men to avoid regular check ups.
- 31 per cent find health information confusing.
The Movember campaign has raised $1.5 billion world-wide for men’s health, delivering more than 1300 men’s health programs.
In Australia, the movement has raised more than $456 million.
Movember also sheds light on the prevalence of prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian males.
In 2025, it is estimated that 29,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia, accounting for 30 per cent of all new male cancer cases.
It is estimated that a male has a one in five (or 19 per cent) risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.
In 2023, there were 3,726 deaths from prostate cancer in Australia, expected to grow to 3,975 in 2025.
In addition to mental health and prostate cancer, Movember also emphasises testicular cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer after skin cancer in men aged 18–39.
In most cases, the outcome for men with testicular cancer is positive.
These statistics highlight the importance of communities coming together, checking in on their mates, and fostering conversations about men’s health all year round, not just throughout November.
It’s time to take action for healthier, happier, and longer lives.
“It’s not weak to speak”
Yarrawonga, Mulwala and Corowa Medical Centres owner/practitioner Ayon Guha continues to have a deep passion for pushing men to seek help for their mental health issues and physical ailments as he sees too many men waiting until it’s too late to seek health care.
Throughout Movember, Dr Ayon has been pushing for men to listen to the message and change the face of men’s health.
“There is still an ongoing struggle to get men involved in their health care and we continue to try and work out how we get men to seek help,” Dr Ayon said.
“Movember has been a fantastic movement. For the last seven or so years, it has changed the perception of men seeking help, especially during November.
“Locally we see the numbers of men visiting each of our medical clinics greatly increase throughout the month of November, however, this is still not enough.
“Unfortunately, many men for some reason still feel it is emasculating to tell others of their issues.
“But as the saying goes ‘it isn’t weak to speak’.
“Men need to release the stigma that going to the doctor may be a ‘bad thing’ and realise that it is for their good.”
Dr Ayon and other local GPs and psychologists are advising that self-awareness, testing and seeking professional help can lessen the risks.
“Prostate cancer is the biggest concern in the area with men over the age of 60 being the highest group to receive a prostate cancer prognosis, and cases keep increasing,” Dr Ayon said.
“In terms of testicular cancer, we are not seeing many cases being diagnosed in our region but that does not mean it is not occurring, and men should still be aware of their risks.
“The exact cause is unknown, but our advice is from puberty onwards, men should examine their testicles to work out what feels normal for them.
“And there are not as many men opening up about the mental health issues they are having as there should be.”
A Relationships Australia NSW long-term Australian study of more than 14,000 men found a significant rise in suicidal thoughts following separation.
The Relationship Indicators 2024 report shows nearly four in ten Australians have experienced a relationship breakdown, with one in four now reporting loneliness, and the figure continues to rise.
The findings add to deeply concerning statistics surrounding men’s mental health with three-quarters of people who die by suicide in Australia being men – three times more than women.
Recent research from the University of Melbourne also found that separated men are nearly five times more likely to take their lives than married men, highlighting how strongly social connection and relationship stability can protect men’s mental health.
Animal health company Zoetis is partnering with Beyond Blue to destigmatise these issues, especially with mental health in rural and regional Australia.
Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue spokesperson Derek Schoen said the pressure on farmers remains immense.
“Life on the land can be incredibly rewarding, but also deeply demanding,” Mr Schoen said.
“While mental health conditions occur at similar rates across the country, people in rural and regional areas face unique pressures.
“The emotional toll can be immense, with farmers often putting the wellbeing of their families, livestock, and communities ahead of their own.
“Whether it’s watching your crops go under in a flood or facing another dry season, the emotional toll is enormous.
“That’s why partnerships like this matter - they remind us that support is there, and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
Dr Ayon reiterated that the message to men is simple.
“The main message is that it’s ok to seek help,” Dr Ayon said.
“At each of our clinics, we are trying to make it easier for working males to come to the doctor.
“Having later opening hours allows men to come in and get a check-up after work.
“Just come and see us to make yourself a better man.”