Editorial: Mo' support than ever

OPINION: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of hirsute upper lips around Marlborough in the past few weeks. The reason for this is Movember.

This year the event has once again taken off in a big way, with many Kiwi men joining in the fun and cultivating moustaches of all shapes and sizes and, in the case of Marlborough Express reporter Blair Ensor, different colours.

Movember has a serious side too.

Movember is a campaign aimed at highlighting awareness about male health issues (prostate cancer and depression) and raising money for the Cancer Society and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

Since 2006, its first year in New Zealand, more than 50,000 people have participated and $4 million has been raised for Movember's Kiwi men's health partners.

The idea originated in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1999. The original Movember Committee is still around and it even has a proper manifesto with a list of rules outlining acceptable behaviour for those wanting to grow a mo.

Many people are still unaware of the health issues faced by men. And with the average life expectancy of men in New Zealand four years less than women, it's time that changed.

A survey a few years ago revealed that Kiwi men were in the dark when it came to knowledge about prostate health and three in every four of the 500 men surveyed did not know where their prostate was. One in 10 didn't even know they had one.

The Movember movement has probably helped to increase the awareness but there is still room for improvement. Every year in New Zealand 2656 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 600 die of the disease, making prostate cancer the second largest cause of male cancer deaths, after lung cancer.

Part of the reason for the lack of awareness about their health issues is the typical "bloke" attitude towards health which means many men are reluctant to see a doctor about an illness or have regular medical checks.

Male depression, while not as deadly as prostate cancer, is still a serious issue and more people should be made aware of this disease.

This is where events like Movember can make a difference. By adding a fun element to the issue men are more likely to discuss health issues.

Movember culminates at the end of the month at several gala parties. There's a Movember Mexican party tonight at Paddy Barrys and other events are being held next week.

If you haven't grown a moustache you can still contribute by donating to those who have.

You can donate online at the Movember website (www.nz.movember.com), which also outlines the history of the event and has plenty of useful information and videos about the event.

- The Marlborough Express