Calling all men: you are wanted — to grow a moustache for Movember. Whether it's a handlebar, a 'Fu Manchu' or just a regular old freestyle 'tache, Bermuda's men are being rallied to 'let it grow'.

Why? Because Monday marks the start of 'Movember', organised by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to raise men's awareness of the cancers and other medical issues affecting men — and raise money to help them protect their health.

Centre executive director Tara Soares said the event took them by surprise in 2009, saying: "Two individuals ran their own Movember campaign and showed up with quite a substantial donation. They got their own sponsors and corporate support. Between them they raised about $26,000, which we earmarked for men's vouchers as part of this year's campaign."

According to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, cancer is the number two killer of men in North America and part of why men tend to die earlier than women is their lack of health vigilance.

Men are more likely to ignore the early symptoms of a serious illness and men are also more susceptible to gender-specific problems, ranging from chronic illness to depression.

Ms Soares said: "We are very diligent about spending funds for men's health concerns. The money is kept here in Bermuda for men's health awareness and for prostate cancer causes."

The easiest way to sign up is online, through the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre website www.chc.bm. You have to be willing to start November clean-shaven and grow a moustache. Beards don't make the cut. Don't worry, if you've already got a moustache, you can 'reverse-Movember' and on Monday Jeanette Morrison and Helen Stirling from the Cutting Room will be at the Lemon Tree Cafe, on Queen Street, at 5.30 p.m. to shave men willing to sacrifice their moustaches and grow anew. "Mo" members will need to enlist the support and contributions of friends, family and co-workers and the Centre encourages Bermuda's men to promote their "Mo" as much as possible.

Put your best face forward on social network sites or send in your pictures at info@chc.bm.

To support someone for Movember, look for details on the Centre website and follow

The Royal Gazette's coverage on Movember throughout next month.