For No Shave November, Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation Raises Awareness & Funds to Support Men’s Health in Arkansas
Heading into “No Shave November”, the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation (APCF) is calling on men across the state to grow out their beards with pride in order to raise awareness around men’s health issues like prostate cancer. This year, APCF is once again partnering with firefighters, police departments, high schools, and influential men across Arkansas to help communities understand that one in every eight men in Arkansas will face a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lives, but that the disease is nearly 100% survivable if detected early. That’s why APCF is asking the men of Arkansas to go 30 days without shaving for a good cause.
“No Shave November is a fun event every year, but it’s not just about growing your beard. It’s about making sure Arkansas families can have their fathers, uncles, brothers, and grandfathers there at the table for a holiday dinner for many years to come,” said APCF Executive Director Chris Collier. “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men – and among men, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. By simply foregoing their morning shave and growing their beard, men across Arkansas can help raise funds to promote awareness in our state and support prostate cancer survivors.”
Men of all ages across Arkansas are encouraged to take part in No Shave November either individually or as part of a competition in their workplaces, churches, teams, or other social groups. They can then donate to APCF as a group or find creative ways to encourage others to donate on behalf of them and their beard. All money raised remains right here in Arkansas to support APCF’S free awareness and educational programs, free prostate cancer screenings and free patient assistance programs.
This year, there are a number of men participating in the APCF’S No Shave Club. This is a group of men dedicated to raising awareness and money for APCF by agreeing to raise a minimum of $1,000 each during No Shave November. Men can still participate in this exclusive and important initiative, and they will receive recognition throughout the year for their support. Contact Chris Collier at APCF today to learn how you can help.
Also, high school football coaches from Little Rock Catholic, Benton High School, Little Rock Hall, Hot Springs High, and Searcy High School are competing against one another during the campaign. The coach/school raising the most money will be recognized and receive a trophy highlighting their achievement. Please support these coaches in your area with your financial support. If any additional coaches are interested in competing, contact Chris Collier as well.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 2,500 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Arkansas again this year. Since 2014, prostate cancer diagnoses have increased by 3% annually, with late-stage diagnoses coming in at 5% annually. APCF believes that no Arkansan should face prostate cancer alone. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease and the risk of prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. However, prostate cancer is nearly 100% survivable if detected early and screening can be as simple as getting blood drawn. To learn more about No Shave November, register to participate as an individual or team and support prostate cancer awareness in Arkansas, visit: https://arprostatecancer.org/events/no-shave-november/
About Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation is the only statewide organization dedicated entirely to prostate cancer awareness, education, timely detection, and survivorship. The organization sponsors awareness campaigns, conducts public education events and organizes screening programs throughout the state. The Foundation also provides support to survivors and men undergoing treatment through a network of peer group meetings and patient navigation programs, in addition to providing financial resources to those men and their families that need help. The Foundation believes that access to information and treatment should be available to all men in Arkansas.
At a recent meeting October 6-8, 2023, in Washington, D.C., the National Association of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions (NASPCC) recognized the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation (APCF) as The Outstanding State Prostate Cancer Organization in the United States. Learn more about APCF and how you can help at: www.arprostatecancer.org.