November isn’t just about football, falling leaves, and the start of the holiday season. It is also a time to focus on something that often gets overlooked: men’s health. Two major awareness campaigns, No Shave November and Movember, encourage men to grow a little extra facial hair for a good cause. Both movements aim to raise awareness, start conversations, and inspire men to take charge of their health.
The story behind No Shave November
No Shave November began as a simple idea with a powerful message. Skip shaving for the month and donate the money you would have spent on grooming products to cancer research and awareness. It became a way to honor those who lose their hair during cancer treatment while helping raise funds for prevention and education.
The campaign took off in 2007 when the children of Matthew Hill decided to expand the idea after losing their father to colon cancer. They wanted to honor his memory and help others fight the disease. What started as a small family initiative quickly grew into a worldwide movement. Participants can even create fundraising pages and team up with friends or coworkers to support organizations such as the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
While facial hair might seem like a fun excuse to skip shaving, the meaning behind it runs much deeper. The scruffy beards serve as a daily reminder of those battling cancer and the importance of early detection and regular screenings.
The rise of Movember
Around the same time, another campaign was gaining traction on the other side of the world. Movember began in Australia in 2003 when a group of friends decided to bring the mustache back in style. Their goal was lighthearted at first, but they soon realized their fun challenge could be a force for good.
They turned their mustache-growing contest into a fundraiser for prostate cancer awareness, and in that first year, they raised over $40,000. Since then, Movember has expanded globally, inspiring millions of men to grow mustaches each November and openly discuss their health.
Today, Movember focuses on three main areas of men’s health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health, including suicide prevention. The campaign has raised more than $700 million worldwide, funding innovative research and support programs that help men live longer and healthier lives.
Why men’s health awareness matters
The numbers are clear. Men face significant health challenges but are often less likely to talk about them or see a doctor regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women from the top ten causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. They are also less likely to schedule regular checkups, get screenings, or seek help for mental health concerns.
That is where campaigns like No Shave November and Movember come in. They help break down stigmas and spark conversations that can literally save lives. When a friend or coworker grows a mustache or beard for the month, it opens the door to talk about topics that men often avoid, from prostate exams and colonoscopies to stress, depression, and suicide prevention.
Growing facial hair is fun, but it is only one part of the message. November is an excellent time to encourage the men in your life to schedule their annual check-ups, get blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and discuss any changes or concerns with their healthcare providers.
Men should also pay attention to mental well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone, yet men are often taught to “tough it out” instead of seeking help. Take time to exercise, eat well, connect with friends, and talk about what’s going on. It can make a world of difference.
If you are participating in No Shave November or Movember, use it as an opportunity to spread awareness. Share your progress on social media, encourage donations, and talk about why the cause matters to you. Whether it is honoring someone you love, supporting a friend in treatment, or just promoting healthy habits, your participation helps move the conversation forward.
Some people combine both campaigns into one lighthearted version called “No Shave Movember.” The idea is simple: skip shaving altogether and let your facial hair grow. The point is not perfection, but purpose. It’s a reminder that health matters and deserves attention.
As the holidays approach, life gets busier, and self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. November underscores the importance of healthcare. Men, please make your health a priority, if not for yourself, then for the people who love you. Schedule that physical, get that screening, and check in with your mental health. Ladies, if you have men in your life who you care about, encourage them to do the same. Encourage older men to get their prostate screenings and young men to be aware of testicular cancer, since about 75% of cases in the U.S. occur in men aged 20 to 44 years.
So, this November, let the whiskers grow, start the conversation, and help raise awareness for men’s health. A little facial hair can go a long way in making a difference.
Robin Stoloff is a health reporter and host of Living Well with Robin Stoloff, airing Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG and as a podcast on all major platforms. Follow Robin at LivingWellWithRobinStoloff.com for more health and wellness tips.
