November 1st means start of ‘Movember’

For many men, the first of November means the start of "Movember."

Millions of men will grow a mustache to raise awareness about men’s health issues.

Allina Health oncologist Dr. Christian Squillante plans to grow a mustache this month to honor four men.

"It shouldn’t have happened to these people I care about, but it did," Dr. Squillante said.

Dr. Squillante lost four friends to cancer, all under the age of 40.

"It reminds you that none of us are promised tomorrow that every day should be valuable. I think it’s really given me a perspective of how special life is," Dr. Squillante said.

Dr. Squillante said, during the pandemic, he’s finding that a lot of men skipping checkups and screenings that could lead to the early detection of prostate, testicular and other types of cancer. It could lead to more cancer deaths over the next decade.

"Cancer does not take a vacation, cancer doesn’t care COVID is going on right now. It’s going to keep happening and it’s going to keep attacking people, so it’s really important that you still get your visits," Dr. Squillante added.