No Shave November — And Why Colorectal Cancer Needs to Be Part of the Conversation Too

Can you believe that we are already in the month of November?  This month where the beards get thicker, the razors slow down, and the cause behind “No Shave November” takes the spotlight. Most people associate this month with prostate cancer or men’s health in general — and that’s great. Awareness matters.

But for us — colorectal cancer MUST be a part of the story, too.

Because colorectal cancer isn’t just a “March thing.”  Let’s face it, no cancer or disease is.
There are no seasonal causes.
There are no one-month topics.

Every single month — families are being blindsided with unexpected diagnoses. Caregivers are learning new medical vocabulary they never wanted to know. Appointments, procedures, and treatment plans are happening whether the calendar says March or not.

The face of CRC looks like a father, a brother, a son, a husband — a friend.
So when we talk about men’s health in November — colorectal cancer belongs in that conversation.

Early Screening Saves Lives

Screening — especially colonoscopy — is what catches colorectal cancer early enough to DO something about it. The guidelines say screening begins at 45. But high-risk individuals may need to begin sooner.

We encourage you this month to use the conversations around No Shave November as a bridge:

• “Have you scheduled your screening?”
• “When was your last colonoscopy?”
• “Do you know your family history?”

Those questions — asked out loud — can save a life.

Don’t Forget the Caregivers

This month isn’t just about the person getting screened — it’s also about the people standing beside them.

The caregivers.

You don’t see them highlighted very often in campaigns. They are managing appointments, encouraging healthy choices, navigating insurance, asking difficult questions, planning meals around side effects, and keeping life afloat.

Caregiving is hard.
It’s emotional.
It is active advocacy.

And caregivers deserve support, too.

This November — Let’s Expand the Conversation

So yes — grow the beard. Skip the shave. Wear the scruff with purpose.

But also:

• Talk about colon health.
• Encourage screening.
• Ask loved ones how they’re feeling — really feeling.
• Check in on caregivers.

No Shave November is a visual reminder that health matters.