I have spent the last month with some fairly questionable lip salad. I received many comments over it – some rather pejorative – but it also led to me receiving ‘Best Facial Hair’ at the end-of-term Varsity awards. This was not a fashion statement (and has since been shaved) but for the promotion of Movember. Movember, a global movement centred on raising awareness and funds for men’s health, is best known for its moustache-growing campaigns each November. However, its mission goes beyond facial hair – it’s about shining a spotlight on pressing health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges. One vital avenue for supporting Movember’s goals is sport. From encouraging physical health to fostering mental well-being, sports and physical activity play an essential role in promoting the very values Movember champions. Here’s why sport should be at the heart of the Movember movement.

“However, its mission goes beyond facial hair – it’s about shining a spotlight on pressing health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges”

Sports are a gateway to better physical health. Regular exercise reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease – all factors linked to prostate cancer and other health concerns that Movember seeks to address. Activities like running, swimming, or cycling improve circulation, boost the immune system, and regulate hormones, which is particularly relevant for mitigating risks of testicular cancer. By encouraging men to take up sports or simply move more, Movember directly tackles the sedentary lifestyle epidemic that contributes to these health problems. Initiatives like “Move for Movember”, which challenges participants to commit to 60 km of activity to symbolise the 60 men lost to suicide every hour globally, exemplify the powerful link between movement and health awareness. Mental health is a cornerstone of Movember’s mission, and sports are a proven remedy for mental health challenges like stress, depression, and anxiety. The physiological benefits of exercise – such as the release of endorphins – help lift mood and reduce stress.

“Playing sports offers a sense of purpose, achievement, and camaraderie”

But it goes deeper. Playing sports offers a sense of purpose, achievement, and camaraderie. Team sports, in particular, build connections and foster a supportive environment where men can talk openly about their struggles. These settings break down the stigma around discussing emotions, a key barrier Movember seeks to overcome in promoting mental health awareness. Putting the aside the weekly abuse during College Football, or the vast array of swear words that are sprayed across sport pitches across Cambridge; we all care about and want encourage each other.

Sports bring people together. Whether it’s a weekend soccer match, a charity run, or a group hike, these activities create opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations about men’s health. Events like Movember Fun Runs or local sports tournaments double as fundraising and awareness-building platforms. Participants often wear Movember-themed apparel, sparking curiosity and conversations about the cause.

When communities rally around sport, they amplify the Movember message, fostering a culture where it’s okay to talk about health and take proactive steps to address it. The cultural influence of sports and athletes is immense. By involving sports in Movember campaigns, the movement reaches a broader audience, including younger generations. High-profile athletes growing moustaches, participating in charity games, or sharing personal stories about mental health challenges make the message relatable and aspirational.

This visibility not only normalises health conversations but also encourages young men to embrace active lifestyles and prioritise their well-being early on, reducing health risks in the long run. Sport is a natural ally of Movember. It not only embodies the movement’s call to action – getting men to take charge of their health – but also serves as a powerful platform for community-building, mental health awareness, and disease prevention. Whether you’re running a marathon, playing a pickup game, or simply walking with friends, every move counts. So, although Movember may be over this year, you can continue to care for men’s health in everything you do. Together, we can create a healthier future for men everywhere.