GLENDALE, Ariz. (NNS) - Reserve Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Phoenix are growing mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness for men’s health. Mustaches become a symbol for men’s health during the month-long popular event referred to as, “Movember.”
“I grew it out to support prostate cancer awareness,” said Hospital Corpsman Second Class John Ansel. “No-shave November supports important men’s health causes. Gotta be down for the cause. Plus, it looks pretty good, don’t you think?”
“Movember” challenges men to grow a mustache for the 30 days of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide; according to the Movember Foundation, a non-profit charity organization.
“I’m proud to wear this beautiful mustache, said Master-at-Arms Third Class Nicholas Gonos. “I get a lot of stares and about 4 compliments a day. So, I keep a mustache comb on my key-chain to make it look tight all day. The movement works.”
1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and 5.6 million men are living with prostate cancer according to the Movember Foundation. 28,000 deaths annual in the U.S. are attributed to prostate cancer.
Naval Aircrewmen Mechanical First Class Ricardo Irias is among many Reserve Sailors at NOSC Phoenix making an individual effort to promote men’s health.
“Just look at this thing,” says Irias. “My nose-neighbor is itchy and creepy. On the bright-side, I’m deployment ready and I’ve inspired others to grow-the-Mo. That’s worth it.”
NOSC Phoenix provides Navy Reserve Sailors with administrative services and training opportunities while preparing them to be mission ready for the fleet.