“Prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health, and physical inactivity are some of the biggest health issues facing men today,” says Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation, which drives Movember in South Africa.

In South Africa, there are 23 suicides daily, with over 200 attempts per day. Globally, 510 000 men die from suicide each year. That's one suicide every minute. On average, five South African men will die from prostate cancer every day, and one in 29 men has a risk of testicular cancer.

“It’s simple. We want men to live happier, healthier, longer lives. Our fathers, partners, brothers, and friends are facing this health crisis and it’s not being talked about. We can’t afford to stay silent. We need to talk about it. We need to act. We want men to talk when things get tough,” Gsell explains.

Through Movember’s year-round awareness and education programmes, it encourages men to become more aware of their health, talk more with their friends, and be more physically active, improving their health and well-being.

“Early detection is the most important factor in treating big issues. Know your family history and if you notice something isn’t feeling right, don’t put it off and hope it goes away. Annual health checks are vital, along with a monthly testicular self-examination which can help make you aware of your body and able to note any changes,”Gsell says.

Mo Bros are encouraged to start on Tuesday, 1 November, clean shaven and to grow and groom a moustache for the entire month. Mo Sistas are encouraged to get behind the Mo Bros in their lives, or get a little creative and organise an event. Anything to attract attention and raise funds.

The best thing you can do for your health is to be physically active. Take the MOVE 30-day challenge of getting physically active for 20 to 30 minutes per day, and beat your personal best. How you move is up to you. Whether it’s a workout, a quick jog at lunchtime, an hour at the ping-pong table, or an epic bike ride, no MOVE is too big or small.

With the money raised, Movember is funding game-changing programmes, whilst positively challenging the way in which men’s health issues are researched and addressed.

“We’re funding over 1 200 men’s health projects around the world and counting. In South Africa over the past seven years, more than 120 000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have supported the campaign, raising R5.6 million locally toward survivorship and research programmes. The key thing about Movember is that we’re outcomes-orientated. We’re changing the dial in terms of men’s lives. We are committed to reducing the number of men dying prematurely. By 2030, we want to even the life expectancy of men and women,” Gsell says.

Movember has become one of the biggest men’s health movements of our time. Help change the face of men’s health. Grow a Mo. Support a Bro. Commit to MOVE or hold and attend an event. Sign up for free at za.movember.com. All past Mo Bros need to re-register.

For more information or to sign up, visit za.movember.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #MovemberRSA hashtag.