The call has gone out for participants to sign up for a playful yearly campaign for men’s health in which growing a moustache helps to save lives.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre issued the challenge for men across the island to register online, alone or with friends, for Movember at movember.bm.

The fundraising campaign targets prostate cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Bermuda, but one of the most treatable when detected early.

Deborah Titterton Narraway, the centre’s chief marketing and fundraising officer, called it “a fun way to raise funds and start important conversations so no man in Bermuda delays life-saving cancer screening or care because of cost or access”.

Participants were invited to use Saturday, the first day of November, as an occasion to start clean-shaven and grow a moustache — or beard — for 30 days as a conversation starter and fundraiser.

The campaign can include fundraising gatherings, from poker nights to sports events.

The finale at the month’s end comes with a host of awards and fundraising prizes.

All funds raised remain in Bermuda to support education, early detection and financial access to treatment through the charity’s equal access fund.