No Shave November
WEB EXCLUSIVE
As 2017 drew near to its end, American men immersed themselves in the relatively new tradition of growing their beards out in November. No-Shave November is an annual event intended to raise awareness of male prostate cancer and men’s health. Perhaps the most famous bearded man in school, AP Environmental Science teacher Benjamin Hogue, enjoys the phenomenon.
“It’s always nice to see people embracing their inner lumberjack,” Hogue said.
A long time participant in No-Shave November, Hogue has had a beard for several years now.
“I’ve had my beard for about five years now,” Hogue said. “I started growing my beard because of my apathy towards shaving.”
Now, however the beard has become a symbol of greater importance.
“No-Shave November is a fun way to bring about awareness and raise money to support cancer prevention, research and education,” Hogue said.
Prostate cancer is a very common form of cancer, generally found in males above the age of 40, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer affects more than three million Americans every year and is one of the largest preventable health crises in the US among males. Every one in seven men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, but regular visits to the doctor–and yearly prostate exams–are all it takes to find and prevent potentially fatal cancer.
No-Shave November has grown from its stubble to be representative of the fight against many other types of cancer and health conditions.
“I think it’s a fun way for people to get behind research for cancer, which has impacted most of us and our loved ones in some way,” Hogue said. “Even if you cannot participate in No-Shave November, you can always donate.”
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