The purpose of the “No-Shave November” movement is to focus on the importance of men’s health issues.

October focused on the support for women and the 1% of men that develop breast cancer. Pink out for breast cancer awareness is commonly supported in the work environment, schools, and even sports. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), women are 33% more likely to visit the doctor than men.

No-Shave November is targeted for cancers that are more common in men. The Hill Family lost their father in 2007 to colon cancer and in 2009 they started a campaign where the Hill family encouraged people to stop shaving. With the money that would have been used on grooming, the family hoped to donate the money to cancer organizations.

To show support for this movement, men will usually grow out facial hair and women grow their leg hair for the month. Trimming and grooming are acceptable. Wearing blue is another way to be supportive. Being vocal about the situation is also being a part of the movement.

No-Shave November is to bring awareness to the importance of men learning how to self-examine themselves and promote early detections of cancer. Men are being encouraged to find out if cancer runs in their family to take precautions and get proper testing. As of 2024, the prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers were estimated to be 48% of cancers diagnosed in men.

The American Institute for Cancer Research pronounced that 1 in 2 men will likely get prostate cancer. 1 in 16 men will be affected by lung cancer. There are 1 in 23 men that are impacted by colorectal cancer.

The Cancer Center expresses how most cancers can be monitored by getting screened, knowing family history, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Being in shape is emphasized as being overweight makes it easier for cancer cells to grow and multiply.

Per the CDC, risk factors can raise your chances of getting cancer, but cancers can also take years to develop. Not all risk factors, like getting older, can be avoidable. Men are urged to make healthy choices and get screening tests done to decrease their chances of cancer development.