It’s that time of year fellas, the air is cold, and the mustaches are out. New to Movember? This guide will help you get to know all about Movember and why you should participate every year.

Every November, brave men band together to grow impressive facial hair to raise awareness for the men who’ve lost their lives from aggressive illnesses like testicular and prostate cancer. It also raises awareness for men struggling with mental health issues to speak up and get the help they deserve.

The global movement came to life in Melbourne back in 2003 when friends got together to re-spark the trendy mustaches. About 30 men participated and loved having an excuse to change their physical appearance.

The year after, the group decided to implement charitable donations and raised $43,000. Today, across 21 countries actively participating, we’ve managed to raise over $600 million. If you’re looking to donate to charities improving and saving men’s lives, click here. 

Testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and depression are horrible tragedies that strike way too many men worldwide. When participating in Movember, you’re raising awareness for the following facts, courtesy of Beardicure:

• For men under 35, suicide stands as the most common cause of death
• 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer over the course of their lives
• Every hour, a man dies from prostate cancer
• Prostate cancer occurs in men as frequently as breast cancer occurs in women
• 47% of testicular cancer diagnoses are of men under 35

The safest way to ensure your buddies down south are in tip-top shape; testicular self-exams are an easy and helpful way to do so. 

1. Hop in a warm shower to relax the scrotum and make it easier to notice any abnormalities. Don’t be alarmed if one testicle is larger or hangs lower than the other; this is normal. 

2. Each normal testicle has a small, coiled tube called the epididymis that feels like a small bump on the testis’s upper or middle outer side, which is also normal. 

3. After your body is relaxed, get out of the shower and stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin. 

4. Hold one testicle at a time between your thumb and middle finger and roll it gently between your fingers. Do the same with the other. Here, you should notice any hard bumps, nodules (smooth rounded masses), or any change in the size, shape, or consistency. 

5. Lastly, be aware of any numbness, soreness, or heaviness; you shouldn’t feel any pain when performing a self-exam. If so, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.