As a people we need to change the way No Shave November is seen as not just a month to be lazy, but as a chance to spread awareness of the actual purpose.

Nowadays people just see it as a way to be lazy and get that extra 15 minutes of sleep in before having to get ready. “Honestly [because] it’s such a meme. And I’m lazy. And I’m pretty sure it’s to support men’s prostates but I have no idea. Mostly [because] I’m lazy,” replies Alexa Herrera, Junior at Bingham, when asked why she is participating in No Shave November.

Many people don’t even know why No shave November started and just think it was something some random person created so they can show off their luscious locks on their lower face. It’s important to be informed of the real purpose of starting No Shave November.

 No Shave November was started back in 2009 by a Facebook campaign to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Those who don’t shave are encouraged to give the money they’d usually use for shaving to the No Shave November campaign. For a month of shaving it usually costs between $10 and $20 depending on what products you use.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. “It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the U.S. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,” according to the Urology Care Foundation website. 

Researchers have not found out why prostate cancer starts and that is what the money No Shave November raises is going to. If they are able to find out why it occurs they’ll be able to prevent it. Also the money goes to funding the treatment for the patients.

Before I knew this, I never participated and just thought that No Shave November was just silly and didn’t even have a point to it. Now I want to participate in it to spread awareness about prostate cancer. 

I think that everyone should participate in No Shave November. Even if you can’t grow out a beard, spread awareness for prostate cancer or even donate to the cause. You can donate by going to the No Shave November website at https://no-shave.org/ and sign up to participate or even just go and donate some money.