Movember raises money for research and support into the serious men’s health concerns of prostate and testicular cancer, depression and anxiety.

Today is Day 4, so there are bound to be some scratchy, wispy, slightly longer than five-o-clock-shadows already appearing on faces around the Bega Valley – including mine!

There is a lot of fun to be had in growing, shaping and styling a mo throughout November – despite what several work colleagues believe!

However, there is also a sobering edge to the burgeoning bristles.

One in eight Australian men experiences depression at any given time.

One in two will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 85.

Every year, around 20,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in Australia – the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men.

In younger men, 18-39 - the bracket into which I fall – testicular cancer is the second most common cancer behind skin, with diagnoses growing by more than 50 per cent over the past 30 years.

All these health issues can be treatable – if you seek help.

And therein lies the problem.

How many men do you know openly speak about their health issues, fears, life challenges and mental wellbeing?

What holds us back?

There should be no shame in admitting you need help.

It is definitely a shame if you don’t.

Start a conversation today – not tomorrow – and please look after yourself, your family and your friends.

Keep an eye out for those of us with prickly faces and ask us why we are doing it?

And please, donate whatever you can to the causes of Movember so money can go directly to the foundations at the heart of men’s health support.

Support me here: Mobro.com/bensmyth1

Email me at ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

MOVEMBER kicked off in style at Sydney’s Luna Park on Saturday, with five Movember Mo Bros - each decorated with unique moustache styles – shaving down to begin their Movember mission facial-hair-free (a requirement for Movember 1).

In a commitment to changing the face of men’s health, they will be joined by over 100,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the country beginning their mission to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health in Australia.

Set against the iconic Sydney Harbour, the cheeky Luna Park face joined in the festivities with his own Movember Mo, which will remain throughout the month to help raise awareness for men’s health.

Jeremy Macvean, Movember’s Asia Pacific director, said all Aussies can help change the face of men’s health by committing to grow or support the moustache for the 30 days of Movember.

“Every Mo acts as a hairy billboard for men’s health, encouraging blokes to take their health seriously and to take action,” he said.

Movember is the leading global organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health.

Since its inception, more than four million moustaches have sprouted on the upper lips of men around the world, raising $580million for over 800 men’s health programs in 21 countries.

Sign up, grow and donate at movember.com.