You've heard of Movember, now get ready for... Decembeard!

Tori_Scope

What is Decembeard?

Decembeard is a yearly campaign run by Bowel Cancer UK. They outline on their website that:

"Thousands of people are experiencing delays in diagnosis and treatment due to coronavirus and, at a time when our services are needed more than ever, we’re facing a drop of income of around 40%. By taking part in this year’s Decembeard campaign you will help to ensure we can save lives and improve the quality of life of all those affected by bowel cancer."

Taking part is simple: ditch your razor and let your beard grow. It’s up to you whether you want to start getting beardy straight away, or wait until 1 December. Already bearded? No problem. Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.

Visit this Decembeard webpage to sign up.  

What are the facts about bowel cancer?

Bowel Cancer UK report that:

• More than 44 people die from bowel cancer every day in the UK
• Bowel cancer is the nation’s second biggest cancer killer
• Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the UK
• Around 23,000 men are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year
• 1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime
• Men are less likely to recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer, to see their GP if they recognise symptoms, or to return the bowel cancer screening test
• Bowel cancer accounts for 10% of all male cancer deaths

Don't die of embarrassment

Many people are too embarrassed to go and see their GP if they notice changes in their bowel movements, but Bowel Cancer UK  explain that it's really important that you go and get yourself checked out if you have:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
• A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy

As well as going to see your GP if you have any concerns, it's also important that you work proactively to ensure that you catch any potential problems early on. The NHS have a bowel cancer screening service, as outlined below:

• If you're 55, you'll automatically be invited for a one-off bowel scope screening test, if it's available in your area
• if you're 60 to 74, you'll automatically be invited to do a home testing kit every 2 years
• if you're 75 or over, you can ask for a home testing kit every 2 years by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60

Over to you

• Will you be taking part in Decembeard this year?
• How do you think we could all make each other less embarrassed to talk about our bowel movements and any concerns we might have?
• Do you have any ideas on how there could be a greater awareness of bowel cancer?

Talk to us in the comments below!