Movember and prevention: a corporate commitment to men’s health

Every November, after Pink October, it's time for Movember, an international movement born in Australia that invites men to grow a moustache to raise awareness of men's health.
Behind this symbol lies an essential message: talk about, screen for and prevent male cancers and mental health disorders.

What exactly is Movember?

Founded in 2003, Movember 's mission is to advance men's health worldwide. Its name comes from the contraction of "mo" moustache in Australian and November slang.

The aim is threefold:

• Information and prevention of male cancers (prostate, testicles and penis)
• Encouraging men to consult and talk about their health
• Breaking the taboos surrounding mental health and male suicide

Beyond the now emblematic moustache, Movember is a movement for solidarity. Every year, companies, associations and individuals join forces to raise funds and spread the word about prevention.

Why is men's health still a major issue?

The figures speak for themselves:

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and the leading cause of cancer in men (nearly 60,000 new cases each year in France, and the^2nd leading cause of death), according to theMontpellier Regional Cancer Institute.
• Testicular cancer mainly affects young men between the ages of 15 and 45.
• Male suicide accounts for nearly 75% of suicides in France, according to Santé publique France

These subjects are still too rarely discussed, often out of modesty or lack of information. This is where the company can play a key role, by creating spaces for dialogue and prevention. It's also an opportunity for companies to extend the actions put in place for Pink October.

Insurance and prevention in the service of human health

Health insurance is more than just financial protection. It is also a lever for support and prevention, thanks to schemes such as :

• Comprehensive health check-ups
• Screening awareness campaigns
• Psychological support programs to prevent burn-out, depression or suicide, or to help cope with male pathologies

By promoting these schemes as part of Movember, insurers and broker advisors can help companies develop a sustainable culture of health and well-being at work.

Movember in the workplace: concrete actions

Movember is the ideal opportunity to mobilize teams around a collective, unifying project. Here are a few ideas for simple and effective initiatives:

• The moustache challenge to encourage employees to grow moustaches and share photos to raise awareness in a humorous way.
• Health conferences and webinars led by doctors, urologists or psychologists to provide information on male cancers and mental health.
• Wellness and prevention workshops on stress management, screening, nutrition and physical activity.
• Internal communication campaigns with posters, newsletters, videos or employee testimonials.
• Solidarity events: races, sporting challenges or "Move for Movember" to collect donations for charities.

Every action counts. The most important thing is to encourage dialogue and make prevention an integral part of everyday working life.

The company, a committed player in global health

By supporting Movember, the company is affirming its role as apublic health player. Promoting male prevention enables us to :

• Enhancing quality of working life (QWL)
• Reduce sick leave due to late screening
• Creating a culture of listening and caring
• Enhance CSR commitment and employer brand, moving towards Green HR

Men's mental health, which is often taboo, is also a major lever for sustainable performance: offering psychological support or encouraging people to talk helps to prevent ill-being in the workplace.

Take action for Movember... and all year round

Movember must be more than just a symbolic event. It's the starting point for ongoing prevention and a more inclusive approach to health.
Companies play a key role: by integrating prevention into their HR practices and working with their health partners, they can help save lives.

As with Pink October, every initiative, no matter how small, counts. Together, let's make the November moustache more than just a symbol: let's make it a driving force for lasting change.

Movember FAQs

What is Movember?

Movember is a global movement launched in 2003 to raise awareness of men's health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Why is the moustache the symbol of Movember?

It symbolizes commitment and draws attention to the cause. Men let it grow throughout November to provoke discussion and lift taboos.

How can a company take part in Movember?

Organizing in-house events:

• Conferences
• Screening
• Fundraising
• Communication campaigns

What are the benefits of a Movember commitment for a company?

In addition to raising awareness, this promotes cohesion, QHCT and social responsibility. The company reinforces its image as a responsible and caring player.

Can health insurance support Movember actions?

Yes, many contracts now include prevention, psychological support and screening services, which companies can promote during Movember. Broker advisors are also key players to contact if a company wishes to set up such initiatives.