In Clermont-Ferrand, a mustache to save lives

Since November 1st, mustache month, Movember, has been launched. The goal: to fight against prostate and testicular cancer and to raise awareness of mental health problems in men. 30 days of challenges, during which participants will raise funds for associations. “I do it for the prevention of all male diseases”, says Jérôme Cazard, from Clermont who participates in Movember every year. “All the men shave completely and let their mustaches grow throughout November without touching it.”, says his barber, Maël Béal. They are also numerous to take this initiative between friends or colleagues, like the firefighters of the barracks of Aubière, near Clermont-Ferrand.

Born in 2003 in Australia, the movement has grown internationally. France has been participating in it since 2012. According to the official website of the Movember Foundation Charity, mustache month is now held in 21 countries. The goal is to raise awareness because according to the foundation, mental health is more taboo among men who also tend to do less cancer screening than women.

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 projects around men’s health. Last year, 80 million euros in donations were collected around the world through various initiatives such as the “Courstache”, in Aubière (Puy-de-Dôme). For its 6th edition, on November 5, many people will participate, fake mustaches stuck on their faces, in this charity race. The entire amount of the registrations will be donated to associations fighting against cancer. Last year, 16,000 euros were collected.