December 2, 2015
Now that men have shaved off their moustaches at the end of “Movember”, they’re being urged by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service to hirsute up again for “Decembeard”.
Men are being encouraged to grow a beard to raise funds and awareness of bowel cancer.
DDHHS Bowel Screen Promotion Officer Claire Condon said the fun initiative was building momentum after it started in the United Kingdom three years ago.
“One in 10 men will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime. It is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and third leading cause of cancer in men,” Ms Condon said.
“More than 2200 men die from the disease each year, which is more than double the national road toll for men.
“Bowel cancer can affect men of all ages but the risk increases with age.
“Major risk factors include a personal or family history of bowel cancer, being aged 50 years and over, as well as a history of bowel polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
“Decembeard is a fun and interesting way to raise awareness of this common disease.
“Beards have really come back into fashion so why not grow a beard and raise awareness at the same time?”
Ms Condon encouraged all residents over the age of 50 to be screened for bowel cancer every two years.
“The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends men and women turning 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 74 years old a free, easy-to-use kit to screen for bowel cancer,” she said.
“The kit can be completed in the privacy of your own home. Between 2015 and 2020, more age groups will be added to the screening program.
“However, anyone, no matter what their age, who experiences symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pains or blood when going to the toilet should see their doctor immediately.”
- For more information, visit the Decembeard website
