November can get a little hairy—and for a good reason. No Shave November may look like a lighthearted excuse to skip the razor, but growing beards and untamed whiskers carry a deeper meaning. Participants set aside their usual grooming routines to honor loved ones, support people affected by cancer, and raise awareness and funds for cancer research, education, and advocacy.
The campaign began in 2009 when the Hill family of Illinois created it in memory of their father, Matthew Hill, who died from colon cancer in November 2007. Growing hair became a visible way to bring people together in support of those affected by cancer.
Today, No Shave November encourages participants to set aside shaving and grooming routines and consider donating the money it saves to support cancer education, research, and advocacy. The campaign welcomes people whether or not they grow hair. Its purpose reaches across cancer types and communities.
That spirit of care can also inspire action closer to home. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) offers resources to help people learn about cancer prevention, find screening services, and support their health after a diagnosis.
Screening doesn’t have to be a hairy subject
The Hill family’s experience offers a reason to talk about colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum. Most adults should begin screening at age 45, or earlier if your health care provider recommends it.
Screening can find growths called polyps before they become cancer or find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. People may not have symptoms in the early stages.
For breast and cervical cancer care, OHA’s ScreenWise program provides covered screening and diagnostic services at no cost to eligible people who are uninsured or whose insurance does not meet their needs. Visit ScreenWise’s patient information page or call 971-673-0581 to learn about eligibility and enrollment.
Get in the know while you let it grow
No Shave November is also about prevention. OHA’s resources offer several places to start.
Find support to quit tobacco. Tobacco use and secondhand smoke increase lung cancer risk. The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line offers free, confidential coaching. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit the Quit Line website for 24/7 support.
Consider your relationship with alcohol. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, mouth, and throat cancers. OHA’s Rethink the Drink initiative explains these risks and offers resources for people who want to drink less.
Ask about HPV vaccination. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, can cause cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, throat, and others. Vaccination helps prevent HPV infections that can lead to cancer. Ask your provider whether you or your child are due for the vaccine. OHA’s HPV resources provide more information.
Learn about viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C can contribute to liver cancer. Talk with your provider about testing and prevention and explore OHA’s viral hepatitis resources.
Make compassion your style
Behind every cancer awareness campaign are people whose experiences deserve to be heard. Someone may be waiting for test results, adjusting to treatment, living with lasting health changes, or grieving a person they love.
Let them guide the conversation. A meal, help with errands, or a regular check-in may be welcome. So may time together without discussing cancer.
For people living with and beyond cancer, OHA offers online and in-person support programs. These include workshops on managing long-term conditions, physical activity programs such as Walk with Ease, and tobacco quit classes. You can learn more in the Oregon Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.
The beard may go, but the support stays
No Shave November gives us a lighthearted way to start conversations that matter. Behind the beards and whiskers are neighbors, friends, and family members whose lives have been touched by cancer. By sharing resources, helping someone get to an appointment or listening when they need to talk, we can turn awareness into everyday care. When November ends and the razors return, let’s keep showing up for one another—and keep that support growing.