Tuesday marked the beginning of “Movember,” an annual charity event calling for all guys to grow out mustaches in the attempt to raise awareness of and money for prostate cancer.

The program started about two years ago involving the student workers in the Student Union, but this year they wanted to include the entire student population in this event, according to John Wright, associate director of Student Life.

“I am excited about the fundraising aspects of it,” Wright said. “Also, it’s a chance to bring students together. Students can meet others that they might not otherwise meet.”

Students can participate by registering at Movember.com under the team name VSU Blazers. After they register, they will have access to a personalized Mo Space page, which serves as the informational hub for this Movember.

Students’ Mo Space pages should be updated throughout the semester with pictures, videos and status updates of their progress with helping with the fundraising process.

“I think it’s really important because prostate cancer awareness is so low in the community, but it’s a rising issue in males,” James Lee, a junior health and physical education major, said.

Female students can participate as well.

While the male students involved are called “Mo Bros,” females are called “Mo Sistas.” They can also register on Movember.com and either create or join a team or sponsor a guy that is growing a mustache.

The men’s health movement is 30 years behind the women’s health movement. Men are less likely to schedule doctor appointments and stay in touch with their doctors, which keeps them from the chance of early detection and effective treatment of common diseases.

“I want men to realize that we need to get out there and have our annual physicals,” Wright said. “We need to get tested. We have health issues as well.”

Many people do not know that a man is 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than a woman is to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I want to be able to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and I want people to just have fun,” Wright said.

Movember will be celebrated at the Stache Ball held on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom.