Munich/Hamburg – October 31, 2026 -- Men aged 45 and older in Germany can get a prostate cancer screening once a year, and statutory health insurers cover it. AstraZeneca and MSD Sharp & Dohme are using Movember, the international men's health awareness month built around the mustache, to push that message through their "Nichts verpassen" ("Miss nothing") campaign.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in German men
The Robert Koch Institute's cancer registry data identifies prostate cancer as the most frequent cancer among men in Germany. The earlier it is found, the better the odds of successful treatment.
Former handball internationals were both diagnosed at 47
Twins Michael and Uli Roth, former Germany handball internationals, each developed prostate cancer at 47. Their message this Movember is to see a urologist early.
Shame, awkwardness and myths can keep men from booking appointments. Urologist and author Volker Wittkamp takes on two of them: that the exam is necessarily painful, and that no symptoms means no cancer.
Charité and Martini-Klinik doctors want the taboo broken all year
Prof. Thorsten Schlomm, director of urology at Charité Berlin, wants cancer and screening to be discussed beyond November. Prof. Markus Graefen, founder and medical director of the Martini-Klinik at UKE Hamburg, urges men to take responsibility for their health, including talking openly about prostate cancer.
Expert videos roll out on social media through November
The experts and people affected by the disease will publish Movember videos on their social channels during the month. The campaign website carries screening information and a new campaign video. A separate guide, "Wegweiser Prostatakrebs", covers diagnosis, treatment and support for patients and relatives.