DECEMBEARD (along with Decembhair) is Bowel Cancer Australia’s vital fundraiser to promote awareness and raise funds to support their efforts to beat bowel cancer, the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
If you’re someone who can grow a beard, then you’re encouraged to let it grow for charity this Decembeard! If not, Decembhair is for you. Decembhair invites you to do something different with your hair, whether it’s forgoing waxing or shaving, or choosing to get a haircut for a good cause.
The funds go towards Bowel Cancer Australia, the nation’s leading charity providing for the ‘prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care’ of those diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is the second deadliest cancer for Australians, responsible for 5,255 deaths each year. Not only that, but it is the single deadliest cancer for young Australians (aged 25-34). The good news is that 99% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully if the cancer is detected in its early stages…Unfortunately, fewer than 50% of cases are found early. This highlights the urgency of increased awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and diagnoses.
When it comes to detecting bowel cancer early, you should keep an eye out for any blood in your stool, significant changes in your bowel movements, inexplicable weight loss and tiredness, or if you feel any lumps or swelling in your abdomen. Also remember, bowel cancer affects all genders and ages, so it’s worth keeping an eye out, whoever you are.
If you want to raise funds and awareness for a good cause, head over to www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/decembhair to learn more about Decembeard/Decembhair, and to sign up as a fundraiser.