South Africans can look forward to a rash of moustaches on the faces of South African men for the month of November this year as ‘Movember’, the internationally acclaimed charity initiative that aims to change the face of men’s health, launches to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
The phenomenon that is Movember involves men, or ‘Mo Bros’, with support from ‘Mo Sistas’, growing a ‘Mo’ (slang for a moustache) throughout the month formerly known as November, to raise money for CANSA. This year, being the first that Movember will officially launch in South Africa is expected to generate much needed awareness and funds.

“The aim of Movember is to raise awareness about men’s health issues, and from the interest already generated from South Africa with the amount of men ready to donate their faces and time, we look forward to many South African Mo Bros spreading awareness as we officially launch in South Africa.” says Justin Coghlan, Co-Founder of Movember.

Mo Bros are asked to start Movember with a clean-shaven face and gain sponsorship for their Mo (moustache) throughout the month whilst raising awareness of men’s health issues. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can register at www.movember.com on the South African page and become citizens of Movember. Registrations are now open. Mo Bros can upload their photos of their best looking Mo’s on Movember South Africa Group profile on Facebook and to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be in line to win a Wahl ‘Groomsman Elite’ rechargeable beard / moustache trimmer set worth R399.

Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO says, "We are very proud to be the official partner of Movember in South Africa. All men should invest in their health by learning how to detect men’s cancers early. Movember is an essential part in the fight against men’s cancers, to help raise funds towards our Men’s Health campaign for testing clinics, indabas, counselling, information on treatment as well as support groups.”

Movember events began in 2003 in Australia with 30 mates. By 2008, Movember had grown globally and was officially held in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and Australia where 173,000 participants, known as ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’ raised more than £14 million for men’s health, and a total of £30 million since the charity started.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in males worldwide. The lifetime risk for men developing prostate cancer in South Africa is one in 23. Testicular cancer is generally rare but is the most common cancer for men from ages 15 to 35, but can occur to any male, anytime.

CANSA encourages men to be proactive about their health through regular self-examination and having a simple blood test. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test checks for the presence of a certain protein that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Men should consult their doctors immediately if they experience any of the warning signs for male cancers. The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome.

CANSA is proud to have the support of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mark Pilgrim, two dedicated male cancer survivors, for their support of Movember and CANSA’s early detection message.

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About The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)

CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa to save lives by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer.

As a leading role-player in cancer research, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as focus our watchdog initiatives to the greater benefit of the public. CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 51 offices as well as 12 interim homes countrywide.

For more information, contact CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22 or see www.cansa.org.za).