Men’s health deserves special attention, particularly when it comes to prostate and testicular cancers, as well as mental health issues.
A relatively rare cancer, but the most common among men between the ages of 15 and 35.
The most common cancer in older men. It usually develops after the age of 65 and often without symptoms.
Mental health is a state of overall well-being that enables personal growth and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. It is essential to complete health, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects of well-being.
In 2017, Stéphane, a flight attendant at Air France, founded the association "Les Hommes de l'Air" (The Flying Gentlemen) to raise awareness about the prevention of male cancers, inspired by his personal commitment and the lack of communication on the subject within companies. Since then, the association has been organizing events, special flights, and raising funds to support prevention initiatives. In 2022, it incorporated mental health awareness into the causes it champions.
Stéphane, a flight attendant at Air France, is surprised by the lack of communication about the prevention of male cancers in November within the company's networks. At this time, he is already very active in his personal life, proudly wearing a mustache and openly discussing male cancers, especially during the month of November.
Encouraged by his colleagues affected by these diseases but whose struggles were unrepresented, Stéphane decided to create the association Les Hommes de l’Air to give people a voice and raise awareness among the male population within the company. As a result, Les Hommes de l’Air was born, driven by its powerful slogan: “All aviation workers united against male cancers.” The launch among the flight crew was a success.
Encouraged by a positive reception, the organisation participated in the company's forum of non-profit associations in June 2019 to expand its network. During this event, a barber offered advice as well as a personalised shaving demonstration to sport a handsome moustache in November.
That same year marked the first take-off of the "Moustache in November" operations. The destination was Los Angeles, with a visit to the Movember Foundation headquarters. On board Air France aircraft, awareness of male cancers was highlighted and flame keychains were offered for sale to customers. The distinctive sign of the association's members became the bow tie associated with the moustache.
Every year, the association organizes its "Moustache in November" operations in the form of special flights, focused on raising awareness. These operations are met with great enthusiasm and has seen passengers show their support by encouraging open discussions about the causes defended and by purchasing goodies. All profits from these sales are donated to the organisations it supports.
These flights also provide an opportunity for the association to participate in conferences, forums, and meetings, whether with local communities or in partnership with the French Embassy in the countries it serves. This is a significant moment in its commitment, a tangible way to link its activity with the human values that drive it.
Les Hommes de l'Air is working to expand its scope of action among major French airlines, the Air Force, and Navy. Its ambition also extends internationally, aiming to form partnerships with organisations across the world and to go beyond the boundaries of the aviation industry.
The association aspires to extend and coordinate its actions across all professional categories in the aviation sector, while exploring opportunities beyond this industry, in order to create a global chain of solidarity. It is committed to respecting the framework defined by the companies that support it and to adopting a virtuous line of conduct, while opening up to new horizons and international partnerships to maximize its impact and reach.
Les Hommes de l'Air is dedicated to raising awareness about men's health, focusing on often-neglected issues such as prostate and testicular cancers, as well as mental health challenges.
Our primary mission is to break stigmas and encourage open communication on these crucial topics. The barriers to this frank discussion are numerous and complex. Social stereotypes about masculinity, fear of judgment, and lack of education on these subjects all contribute to creating a harmful silence. By encouraging open dialogue, we aim to create an environment where men feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking help.
Every year, we organise "Moustache in November" operations that not only serve to raise funds but also create unique awareness opportunities. These events allow for direct interactions with the public, facilitating open conversations about men's health in a less conventional setting. Working across the aviation sector and beyond, Les Hommes de l'Air strives to create a broader movement of awareness and action. Our ambition is to contribute to a society where men's health is openly discussed, properly understood, and actively addressed, thereby improving the quality of life and life expectancy of men.
The Gustave Roussy Institute is the leading cancer center in Europe. Located in Villejuif, near Paris, it serves as a hospital, research center, and teaching institution. The institute is renowned for its expertise in treating the most complex cancers and its commitment to therapeutic innovation for the benefit of patients.
The Centre Prévention du Suicide Paris (CPS Paris) is a place of support and guidance for individuals in suicidal crisis or psychological distress. Located in the 20th arrondissement, it offers walk-in support for individuals aged 16 and over, focusing on listening, mental health care, and therapeutic mediation.
Non-profit organisation Le Rire Médecin works to entertain hospitalised children. Currently, 150 trained clowns are present in 76 pediatric departments across France. Their role is to bring joy and reduce the anxiety of children and their families during hospital stays. Through professional interventions, the clowns help children regain their childhood, laugh, and play, despite the illness.
A French non-profit association, recognized as being of public interest, founded in 2000 by Dr. Thierry Bouillet, an oncologist, and Jean-Marc Descotes, a former high-level athlete. It develops therapeutic physical activity programs for individuals with cancer, aimed at reducing the side effects of treatments, improving the chances of remission, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
The Movember Foundation is an international charity organisation dedicated to men’s health. Every November, it encourages men to grow a moustache to raise awareness and collect funds for causes such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
The association, although present in several French airlines, has chosen to establish itself at Air France’s premises. Office hours are organised based on the board members' rosters. External visitors can contact the association by email to arrange their visit.
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