Most people think of the first month on the Gregorian calendar as January, but an increasing number of people refer to it as Manuary. This is a month during which men grow beards to spread awareness about head and neck cancers and to support those affected by these cancers.

This initiative is similar to Movember, a campaign where men grow mustaches to raise awareness about testicular, prostate, and other cancers that affect men. During this month, individuals sponsor men who grow beards and find other creative ways to raise money for cancer research and support. Therefore, everyone should put away their razors and grow a beard during this month.

The History of Manuary

Manuary was a campaign that began in 2010, not only as a challenge for men to grow some wild and fantastic beards but also to raise money for the treatment and eventual cure of head and neck cancers.

It would eventually grow into a nationwide, and then an international campaign to raise awareness. The popularity of this holiday month is partly due to the internet and the use of the hashtag #Manuary on social media.

Some Important Facts About Oral, Neck, and Head Cancers

Manuary is about raising awareness of cancers that affect the head and neck, so we decided to do some research and find out all we could about them. After a bit of research and a whole lot of elbow grease, we uncovered the following facts. We hope they prove useful to anyone wanting to observe this holiday.

• Every year, over 550,000 new cases of oral, head, and neck cancers are diagnosed worldwide.
• Men are affected by these cancers about twice as often as women.
• In the U.S., approximately 10,000 new cases of oral, neck, and head cancers can be attributed to a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Although Caucasians are more likely to develop head and neck cancer, African Americans are more likely to die from it.

Observing Manuary

Obviously, the most straightforward way to observe this holiday month is by growing out a beard. Of course, we know many people may not want to grow a beard or are incapable of growing one. In those instances, they can always sponsor someone who is growing a beard for neck and head cancer research.

People can also donate money to these causes or simply spread the word about this month and its importance. If we all do just a little bit, then we can raise much-needed research funds that can be used to go toward a cure or to help those afflicted with these cancers.