Bowel Cancer Australia’s annual Decembeard campaign begins today and to help spread the word and raise awareness, charity ambassador Chad Townsend is throwing his support behind facial hair and this year’s campaign.
The Bowel Cancer web page is sharing Chad’s “Me, My Decembeard & Why” where Townsend shares his story and why he is doing all he can to try to win the battle against bowel cancer.
“Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and its impact is felt not just by those diagnosed with the disease, but also by their loved ones,” Townsend writes.
“I know this from personal experience. In 2012, my wife’s mother, Gail, was told she had the disease. It's not something anyone should have to go through, or watch a loved one go through.
“I have seen first-hand the heartache bowel cancer can cause which is why promoting awareness, raising funds and supporting Bowel Cancer Australia are things I am very passionate about and proud to do.
“By sharing our experience, I’m hoping to champion the role of families and carers who dedicate themselves to helping loved ones affected by bowel cancer. People like my wife, Marissa, and her grandmother Hazel (Gail’s mother),” he added.
(To read more of Chad and Marissa’s story, click here – https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/latest-news/grow-a-beard-raise-funds-and-help-us-beat-bowel-cancer-bowel-cancer-australia.)
Bowel cancer is Australia's second biggest cancer killer and around 1 in 11 Aussie men will develop the disease in their lifetime.
That’s why Bowel Cancer Australia has dedicated the month of December to raising much needed funds and awareness for bowel cancer in men.
Now in its fifth year, Decembeard® Australia is a hair–raising fundraiser that encourages men to grow a beard, raise funds and help to beat bowel cancer.
Women and children can also take part in Decembeard® Australia by hosting a fundraiser throughout December.
Get ‘Chin-spired’, grow a beard, sponsor someone who is, or get friends involved by creating a team.
So this December, grow a beard, raise funds and do you bit to beat bowel cancer. Get ready to grow. Register now at www.decembeard.org.au, join Chad and sign up today.
Decembeard® Australia's goal is to have a lasting impact on our health future - where no one dies of bowel cancer and all those diagnosed receive the support they need.
Bowel cancer and men – The Facts
• 1 in 11 Australian men will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime.
• Bowel cancer affects men of all ages - and risk increases every year from age 50.
• Around 55% of all Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are men.
• Choices you make related to diet, lifestyle, screening and surveillance can influence your bowel cancer risk.
• Because you can change or modify these risk factors, they are referred to as ‘modifiable’.
• Increased age, personal and family health history and hereditary conditions can also influence your bowel cancer risk.
• Because you cannot change these risk factors, they are referred to as ‘non-modifiable’.
Bowel cancer and men – The Impact
• Bowel cancer is Australia’s third leading cause of cancer deaths in men.
• More than 8,000 Australian men are diagnosed with the disease each year.
• Around 560 (7%) of those men diagnosed with bowel cancer are under the age of 50.
• Over 2,200 men die from the disease each year, more than double the National road toll for men.
