More than 1.1 million moustaches help fund prostate cancer research

Movember, the global charity that raises awareness and funds for men's health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives, recently awarded $380,000 to Dr. Janet Stanford of the Public Health Sciences Division for her prostate cancer research.

Stanford, who co-directs the Program in Prostate Cancer Research and the Fred Hutch-based Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer Specialized Program in Research Excellence, will use the funds to work with her team to combine and refine blood-based biomarkers that can distinguish aggressive from indolent forms of prostate cancer. The researchers hope to develop a clinical tool to guide treatment and improve survival.

Movember is the largest non-government funder of prostate cancer research in the world, and in the U.S., funds raised are directed to education and awareness, research and survivorship programs run directly by Movember, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Livestrong Foundation. Men grow mustaches during the month of November and together with female supporters, donate to the cause. In the U.S., more than 208,000 people participated this year, raising $18 million. Since 2003, more than 2.9 million participants have raised over $412 million in 21 countries.

"The University of Washington, Hutchinson Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance had a 'MoDawgs' team this year that many of us participated in and contributed money to," Stanford said. "It is an honor that the Hutch has received funds for prostate cancer research from Movember."