Pink October, the campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Movember follow each other in the calendar. Many companies wonder whether to pick one or run them one after the other. The two campaigns work well together, on one condition: each keeps its own message. Here is what sets them apart, why it makes sense to link them, and a method to move from one to the other, even if October has already started.
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Pink October and Movember: two campaigns, two causes
Pink October is the October campaign dedicated to breast cancer. It encourages people to talk about early detection and to support research. With more than 160 women diagnosed every day, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Source: Cancer Research UK, breast cancer statistics.
Movember takes over in November and focuses on men's health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's mental health. Around 57,898 new prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK every year. Source: Cancer Research UK, prostate cancer statistics. Movember's dates and origin are covered in a dedicated article.
Both campaigns are about prevention, but they speak to different people about different topics. Running only one of them leaves part of your workforce out. Running both lets you talk about health with everyone, over two months.
Why link the two at work
Linking Pink October and Movember gives your prevention approach a clear line. The underlying message becomes simple: everyone should keep an eye on their health, whatever their gender. Your employees see a consistent approach rather than two unrelated campaigns.
It also makes the organisation lighter. You prepare the calendar, internal champions and resource page once, then simply switch topic on 1 November.
Finally, the two campaigns speak to different audiences and strengthen each other. Pink October speaks first to women, Movember first to men. But each campaign works better when everyone is involved: family, colleagues and managers all have a part to play in both.
The method, in 5 steps
1. Set the calendar
Ideally, preparation starts six to eight weeks before 1 October. If Pink October has already started for you, it isn't too late: take the 1 November switchover as your starting point and prepare Movember now. Either way, set the switchover date and a wrap-up at the end of November, and contact your occupational health team early, as they are often in high demand at this time of year.
2. Choose a common thread
A common thread makes the two months easy to follow. It could be a physical activity challenge running from October to November, a weekly get-together or an internal page that gathers all the resources. At United Heroes, we help you build this common thread in the app, in a format shaped around your organisation.
3. Switch message at the handover
The thread is shared, the messages stay separate. In October, breast cancer and early detection. In November, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's mental health. Change visuals and content on 1 November so each campaign keeps its own identity.
4. Point people to the right contacts
For breast cancer, the NHS Breast Screening Programme and occupational health are the first points of contact. For men's health, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK: the right reflex is to talk to a GP. For mental health, display the Samaritans number, 116 123, free and available any time. Your company does not replace medical care; it helps people find the right information.
5. Close both campaigns together
At the end of November, a shared moment closes the two months: challenge results, voluntary testimonials, thanks to internal champions. A joint wrap-up shows how far you've come and sets up next year.
At a glance: Pink October and Movember
| Pink October | Movember | |
|---|---|---|
| When | October | 1 to 30 November |
| Main cause | Breast cancer | Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men's mental health |
| Key message | Make screening a habit | Men's health is something we can talk about openly |
| Action ideas | Screening talk, team challenge, prevention content | Awareness talk, team challenge, quizzes, discussion time |
| Contacts to share | NHS Breast Screening Programme, occupational health | GP, occupational health, Samaritans |
Mistakes to avoid
Mixing both topics in a single communication blurs the message. Keep a clear switchover on 1 November.
Lecturing has the opposite effect to the one you want. An awareness campaign informs and invites people in. Short, factual and caring content works better than alarmist messaging.
Making participation compulsory makes no sense on a topic as personal as health. Make it easy to join, then let everyone take part at their own pace.
FAQ
What is the difference between Pink October and Movember?
Pink October focuses on breast cancer, in October. Movember focuses on men's health in November: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's mental health. Both campaigns are about prevention, for different audiences.
Can one challenge cover both months?
Yes. A single challenge can act as a common thread from October to November, with content that changes on 1 November. The format is shaped around your organisation and your goals.
How do we involve men in Pink October and women in Movember?
By presenting each campaign as everyone's business. Anyone can support a family member or colleague who is affected. A team challenge open to all helps build that momentum.
October has started: is it too late for Movember?
No. Movember starts on 1 November, which still leaves time to prepare an internal initiative. The earlier you start in October, the stronger the turnout from day one.
Go further
To plan your Movember, discover the Movember challenge at work: an app-based challenge in November, with a format we define together and, for example, a new article and quiz in the app each week. For October, see Pink October at work. For practical ideas, read our 7 Movember actions for the workplace and our article on men's health at work.
Product Marketing Manager at United Heroes