The facial follicle follies held at Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) to commemorate 'Movember' offered more than just fun for many a mustache.

The 'Movember' mustache movement covered the entire month of November with the goal of increasing awareness and providing a facial follicle forum to educate staff and beneficiaries on men's health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.

"I did have a few people ask about my mustache and I replied that I'm growing it as a reminder of the importance of men's health," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Kebker, NHB psychologist.

Statistical evidence backs up the need for such an awareness campaign for men. Compiled data by the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that there are over 26,000 deaths in the U.S. yearly due to colon and rectal cancer. ACS also notes that there are approximately 28,000 deaths attributed to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer accounts for over 13 percent of all new cancer cases annually, with males over the age of 50 particularly susceptible, with one in seven developing prostate cancer.

"My husband participates annually. He does it on his boat," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Mary Neff, of NHB's Pharmacy Department. "We're all about cancer awareness across the board."

The NHB 'Movember' month wrapped up by holding a 'Movember' Mustache Contest, with all donations given on behalf of voters directly benefiting the command's Combined Federal Campaign.

In the category of "Best Overall," Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Grant claimed top honors, with "Best Fake" going to Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Heather Waite. The "Most Encouraged to Shave" category went to Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Kaleib Taylor. The "Most Encouraged to Keep" category went to Lt. Matthew Ozanich. The "Thinnest 'Stache" category went to Hospitalman Casey Brockmueller, and the "Thickest 'Stache" category went to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jeff Beyer.

"My mustache is terrible. There are some of us who can grow a really good one, but I'm not one," Grant said. "So, with mine not being all that, it does provide a conversational point to share on the importance of men's health awareness."

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year and are 22 percent more likely to have neglected their cholesterol tests. Men are also 28 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure; 32 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for long-term complications of diabetes; and are more than twice as likely to have a leg or foot amputated due to complications related to diabetes. Additionally, men are 24 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for pneumonia that could have been prevented by getting an immunization.

"It was quite clear by the second week of November just how many members of the command were actively pursuing 'Movember' awareness despite pressure from friends and family to shave, "said, Ozanich, NHB Deputy Comptroller with Resource Management Directorate. "There was a degree of camaraderie involved. I think at the end of the day, and month, a strong connection is made between the mustache and raising awareness on men's health. I think the ultimate goal will be to make what November means for men's health, what October has meant for women's health."

Despite the needed focus on colon, rectal and prostate cancer, the fatalities from all three still fall behind lung cancer, which continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, with approximately 88,000 fatalities on a yearly basis. The 'Movember' movement also overlapped the Great American Smoke Out awareness campaign that focused on cancer caused by using tobacco products held this year at NHB, Nov. 19.

According to Patrick W. Graves, Naval Hospital Bremerton Tobacco Cessation facilitator, it's not just smokers who need to be aware of the inherent danger, but also those who use chewing tobacco.

"Chewing tobacco is a dangerous concept with definite health risks," said Graves. "When a person puts chewing tobacco into their mouth, they are instantly exposed to significant dangers such as oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer and colon cancer. A dip of chew has 28 cancer-causing carcinogens."

There are ample statistics, compiled confirmations, and amassed anecdotal evidence on the varied cancers that men should be aware.

Yet as Lt. Shawn Redmon, Navy Chaplain Corps assigned to NHB's Pastoral Care Department stated, "If the growth of a mustache for a month-long campaign helps with overall health and wellness awareness for just one, then it's definitely been worthwhile. But I am ready to shave it off."

For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit http://www.navy.mil/.