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Manuary, which takes place in January, is the time of the year when men grow a beard to spread awareness regarding head and neck cancer, and help in any way they can. Can’t grow a beard? Fret not, just cheer on and support those who can! The aim is to grow a beard, take photos, and post all about it. The challenge ends at the end of January where all those who were part of the cause shave off their facial hair and make a statement. What are you waiting for? Choose the kind of beard you want and get to work. Happy Manuary!

History of Manuary

Created in 2010, Manuary introduces more than a fun challenge of growing beards. It also urges people to donate and raise money for those affected by head and neck cancer. The amount organizations generate during this month is further invested in medical research, and is also given to those who may not be able to afford the required treatment to fight off head and neck cancer. Most importantly, the designated month and the donations it gathers, are utilized in awareness campaigns.

This has become necessary since a large number of Americans are developing head and neck cancers. However, they are unaware of the symptoms and the risks it entails. And like other cancers, one has a chance of survival only if the disease is detected at an early stage. In fact, head and neck cancer can affect one’s ability to speak, breathe, or swallow. If left untreated, the disease can lead to a painful death. Many people are still unaware that head and neck cancer accounts for over 3% of all cancers diagnosed in North America.

In many stages of cancer, the patients become disfigured and may need a voice synthesizer to talk. In severe cases where they lose their ability to swallow, a feeding tube is required to provide the body with nutrition. Some of the main causes of head and neck cancer include consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Whereas, types of human papillomavirus (H.P.V.) are also considered to be one of the leading causes in the United States. Other risk factors include exposure to radiation and wood dust.

Manuary timeline

3000 B.C.
Historic Discoveries

The Egyptian physicians recognize head and neck cancer.

1992
The External Link

Studies show that cigarette smoking and alcohol are linked to certain pharyngeal cancers.

2008
New Discoveries

Research highlights the role of H.P.V. infections in head and neck cancer.

2015
Analyze This

Researchers survey genetic changes in around 300 head and neck cancers cases.

Manuary FAQs

What cancers are considered head and neck?

Head and neck cancers include Oropharyngeal Cancer, Hypopharyngeal Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer, amongst others.

How common are neck cancers?

There are around 4% of head and neck cancer cases in the United States every year.

Why are head and neck cancers increasing?

Cases of these cancers are increasing due to the human papillomavirus.

How to Observe Manuary

  1. Grow a beard

    Want to promote Manuary? Grow a beard! If you are a woman, ask a male close to you to grow a beard to promote the cause.

  2. Spread information regarding head and neck cancer

    A lot of people are not aware of how common these cancers are and do not know how they are caused. Do your part by spreading awareness on your social media platforms and encouraging others to participate in the cause.

  3. Make a donation

    Be a crucial part of the cause by donating to those who cannot afford cancer treatment. You can also send the desired amount to firms researching a cure for cancer.

5 Facts About Head And Neck Cancer

  1. Cancer in the United States

    68,000 men and women are estimated to be diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 2021.

  2. More common in men

    Head and neck cancers are twice as common among men as they are among women.

  3. Found in older people

    Head and neck cancers are diagnosed more often among people over the age of 50.

  4. The average percentage

    Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the U.S.

  5. Foods related to head and neck cancer

    Consumption of eggs, processed meats, and red meat is associated with increased rates of cancer of the head and neck.

Why Manuary is Important

  1. It encourages people to join together for a cause

    Months such as these often encourage discussions and urge people to join hands to promote the cause. By working together, we can rapidly form ways to help those who suffer from cancer.

  2. It makes room for research

    Even though it is not as widespread as other cancers, this type still requires further research. By speaking about head and neck cancer, it makes people understand how important the topic is and encourages researchers to conduct further studies on the illness.

  3. It brings in finances for research

    During the month, many people donate large funds to help researchers and doctors work on finding a cure or coming up with ways to improve the quality of life of those suffering from cancer.

Manuary dates

YearDateDay
2025January 1Wednesday
2026January 1Thursday
2027January 1Friday
2028January 1Saturday
2029January 1Monday
Celebration of Life Week
Celebration of Life Week
Diet Resolution Week
Diet Resolution Week
National Time Consciousness Week
New Year’s Resolutions Week
Silent Record Week
World Series of Beer Pong
Apple Gifting Day
Apple Gifting Day
Commitment Day
Commitment Day
Copyright Law Day
Ellis Island Day
Ellis Island Day
Euro Day
Euro Day
National First-Foot Day
First-Foot Day
Global Family Day
Haitian Independence Day
International Public Domain Day
Mummer's Parade
National Bloody Mary Day
National Hangover Day
National Shepherd Day
New Year's Day
New Year’s Dishonor List Day
New Year’s Dishonor List Day
Polar Bear Plunge Day
Public Domain Day
Ring a Bell Day
Rose Bowl Game
Solemnity of Mary
Sudan Independence Day
Tournament of Roses Parade
Triumph of the Revolution
Triumph of the Revolution
Universal Hour of Peace
Universal Hour of Peace
World Day of Peace
Z Day
Z Day
Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
Apple and Apricot Month
Artichoke and Asparagus Month
Be Kind To Food Servers Month
Bread Machine Baking Month
Bread Machine Baking Month
California Dried Plum Digestive Month
California Dried Plum Digestive Month
California Restaurant Month
California Restaurant Month
Celebration Of Life Month
Celebration Of Life Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Children Impacted by Parent's Cancer Month
Clap 4 Health Month
Dry January
Family Fit Lifestyle Month
Financial Wellness Month
Financial Wellness Month
Get A Balanced Life Month
Get A Balanced Life Month
Get Ireland Active
Get Organized Month
Get Organized Month
Ginuary
International Brain Teaser Month
International Change Your Stars Month
International Child-Centered Divorce Month
International Creativity Month
International Creativity Month
International Quality of Life Month
International Wayfinding Month
International Wealth Mentality Month
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Little Things Mental Health Campaign
Manuary
March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month
National Bath Safety Month
National Be On-Purpose Month
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
National Black Diamond Month
National Blood Donor Month
National Book Blitz Month
National Braille Literacy Month
National CBD Month
National Clean Up Your Computer Month
National Codependency Awareness Month
National Codependency Awareness Month
National Conscience Month
National Eye Care Month
National Eye Care Month
National Fiber Focus Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Hobby Month
National Hot Tea Month
National Mail Order Gardening Month
National Mail Order Gardening Month
National Meat Month
National Mentoring Month
National Menudo Month
National Oatmeal Month
National Personal Trainer Awareness Month
National Polka Month
National Pre-Pregnancy Awareness Month
National Radon Action Month
National Skating Month
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
National Slow Cooking Month
National Soup Month
National Staying Healthy Month
National Sunday Supper Month
National Thank You Month
National Train Your Dog Month
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
National Wheat Bread Month
Poverty Awareness Month
Poverty in America Awareness Month
Prune Breakfast Month
Receding Gums Awareness Month
Retail Bakers Month
Rising Star Month
Self-Love Month
Shape Up US Month
Stalking Awareness Month
START Child Health campaign
Teen Driving Awareness Month
Teen Driving Awareness Month
Thyroid Awareness Month
Tubers and Dried Fruit Month
Unchain a Dog Month
Veganuary
Walk Your Dog Month

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