No Shave November is more than just an excuse for men to stop shaving and grow out their facial hair for a month.

Malcolm See, a junior communication studies major, said he learned prostate cancer awareness is the reason behind the trend but said most students are unaware of No Shave November’s purpose.

See said he and at least 10 of his friends wanted to grow out a mustache instead of a beard because of their new understanding of the purpose behind the month without shaving.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “I think everyone should try to do at least something small, even if it may not make a huge difference. It just feels good to support something that affects so many people.”

Gayle Wilkins, a clinical education specialist at Texas Health Resources and an adjunct nursing professor,  said a local group of friends started No Shave November to raise awareness for prostate cancer.

More “buzz” surrounds No Shave November this year due to social media, Wilkins said.

Blaine Bond, a senior economics major, said he started growing out his facial hair for a fraternity event. He decided to shave his beard but keep his mustache once the event ended.

Bond did not know promoting prostate cancer awareness was the reason behind the trend. No Shave November became more important once he learned its purpose, he said.

“It completely changes my perception of it,” he said. “It goes from one little social function motive to actually supporting a good cause like prostate cancer [awareness]. It definitely has a little more of an impact.”

Bond and See said they have close friends whose fathers have fought prostate cancer. They said they would grow mustaches again provided the opportunity.

Wilkins said prostate cancer is extremely common, and any sort of trend that raises awareness is a good cause.

“It’s encouraging that people are starting to speak up,” she said. “I think it’s always fun to have some sort of local thing that piques interest and raises awareness about any health issue.”