As one of the first men bringing 'Movember' to Bermuda two years ago, Keenan Press said the moustache-growing event has become an opportunity for men to talk about an uncomfortable issue: their health.

Noting that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, Mr. Press said: "That's a frightening stat, especially when it's something that, if monitored regularly and caught early enough, can often be controlled."

Many charities use ribbons or bracelets, he said, but "the idea of a moustache as a symbol is hilarious, and a perfect way to get information out there".

By beginning this month with a clean shave, men can grow a moustache for Movember to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues.

This year's Movember is Bermuda's first to be officially run through a local charity, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

Along with Aussie John Jackson and locals Michael Kane and Nicole Tovey, Mr Press was able to garner an enthusiastic local following in 2008.

Rounding up friends for a fancy dress party, the group raised money with a cover charge.

"Guys love growing facial hair, so word of mouth spread quickly and before we knew it there were dozens of men on board," Mr Press said.

He even proposed to his now-wife, Katie Gaudet, two years ago "when I had a big dirty handlebar moustache".

"For that reason, I'll always have good memories of Movember."

For this year, he said: "I'll grow a good one. So far I'm still undecided on what type, though."

He said last year he ended up with a handlebar and triangles "connecting on the side of my face almost to my sideburns".

Co-founder Michael Kane said he wouldn't be growing a moustache this year but was impressed by the growing popularity of Movember.

"I got it going with the Police rugby team, other clubs picked it up, and then it just spread. It's really taken on its own head of steam."

The whole Movember idea first started in Australia in 2003 and was the brainchild of Adam Garone who said the "Mo" is the Australian slang for moustache.

In an e-mail to The Royal Gazette he said: "What started as a joke to bring the moustache back in 2003 has turned into a global men's health movement."

In 2007, the campaign went global. More than 134,000 men from US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand and Australia pledged to grow Mos.

Mr. Garone said more than anything else, the Mo gives men an opportunity to talk.

"We know that simple conversation is changing and saving lives whether that's in rural Australia, South Africa or the Bermuda Triangle. Together we are changing the face of men's health.

"I wish the Bermuda Men of Movember and the lovely Mo Sistas that support them all the very best. Every moustache makes a difference."

Last year's Movember raised over $40 million worldwide.

Remember: the "Mo" means moustache only. Joining the Mo to sideburns is defined as a beard.

A linking of the moustache handlebars constitutes a goatee, and is also excluded. If you already have a moustache, you can shave it off and get sponsorship to start over.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre executive director Tara Soares said the charity had contacted Movember co-founder Mr. Garone to run a Bermuda campaign through their website (www.chc.bm).

"Although the centre's historically run our men's health awareness campaign in June, we're switching to November to align with Movember."

All funds raised through the Centre will be kept on the Island and Ms. Soares said prostate cancer would be a top beneficiary.

For questions about this year's Movember, contact the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre at 236-1001, where funds can be pledged in support.

Bermuda's official 2010 Movember goes through the Centre's website at www.chc.bm.

Check in today to sponsor a moustache.

To send The Royal Gazette your pictures, email photos@royalgazette.bm.