November is when men's health gets its moment: moustaches, beards, and a lot of conversations guys usually skip. Here's what the month is, why testicular cancer belongs in it, and how to take part with TCF.
Is November Men's Health Month? Yes, in most of the world. November is known as Men's Health Awareness Month thanks to Movember and No-Shave November, and International Men's Day falls on November 19. In the United States, the official Men's Health Month is June.
Source: National Cancer Institute, SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer. The 2026 case estimate is an American Cancer Society projection published by SEER.
You'll hear a few names this month. They overlap, and they all point at the same idea: men put off their health, and a little attention saves lives.
A global campaign that started in Australia. Men start the month clean shaven and grow a moustache to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
A U.S. nonprofit started in 2009 by the Hill family of Chicago, in memory of their father, Matthew Hill, who died of colon cancer. Participants skip shaving and donate what they'd spend on grooming to cancer causes.
Held every November 19. It's a day to talk about men's health and wellbeing, and a natural moment for workplaces, teams, and schools to put the topic on the agenda.
Men's health month is often framed around older men. Testicular cancer is the reminder that young men need to pay attention too.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35, and the median age at diagnosis is 33.
There is no standard or routine screening test. Most testicular cancers are first found by men themselves, by chance or during a self-exam.
The National Cancer Institute says testicular cancer can usually be cured at any stage. Finding it early may mean less treatment and fewer side effects.
These are the signs the National Cancer Institute lists. They can be caused by testicular cancer or by other conditions, so check with your doctor if you notice any of them.
Not everyone with a risk factor gets testicular cancer, and it also develops in people with no known risk factors. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
Painless doesn't mean harmless. The first sign on NCI's list is a lump or swelling that doesn't hurt. If something has changed, get it checked.
Pick one thing this month. Each one helps a young man find it early or get support after a diagnosis.
TCF's November campaign. Shave on November 1, grow for 30 days, and raise money as an individual or a team.
Set up a personal page in a few minutes and ask friends to give for your birthday, your beard, or just because.
A quick monthly check in the shower. Learn what's normal for you so a change stands out.
Free awareness toolkits for coaches, teachers, community leaders, and reporters.
Just diagnosed or caring for someone? Ask TC Navigator, TCF's free guide for patients and families.
Free TCF membership: connect with survivors, join the weekly Zoom, and find people who get it.
November is widely observed as Men's Health Awareness Month, mostly because of Movember and No-Shave November. In the United States, the official Men's Health Month is June. Both are good reasons to check in on your health.
November 19, every year. It falls in the middle of Movember and is a common day for workplaces and schools to talk about men's health.
Movember is a global men's health campaign built around growing a moustache. No-Shave November is a U.S. nonprofit, started in 2009 by the Hill family, that asks people to skip shaving and donate what they'd spend on grooming to cancer causes.
It is the most common cancer in males ages 15 to 35, there is no routine screening test, and most cases are found by men themselves. A month of attention gets more guys to check.
Once a month is a good habit. Doing it regularly helps you learn what's normal for you, so a change is easier to spot. See a doctor about any lump, swelling, or change.
Join or sponsor someone in TCF's Beard Patrol, start a personal fundraiser, share the self-exam, or point someone who was just diagnosed to TCF's free support.
Sources: National Cancer Institute SEER Cancer Stat Facts, NCI Testicular Cancer Symptoms and Screening, Movember, and No-Shave November. This page is for education and is not medical advice.
Your gift keeps every guide, chat, and support call free. TCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible.