Hi Winchester,
Throughout the UK Men will be growing beards in December for Decembeard, as an awareness activity for Bowel Cancer UK.
More than 44 people die from bowel cancer every day in the UK, it’s the nation’s second biggest cancer killer. However it shouldn’t be. It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.
Symptoms may include
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Chris Read, former England Cricketer is supporting the campaign who’s first cricket coach died from bowel cancer.
The rules are simple, just clean shave on 30 November and let your facial hair flourish throughout the month of December. Decorations optional!
You can sign up at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard
Bowel Cancer Facts
- Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the UK
- Around 23,000 men are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year (England 18,839, Wales 1,336, Scotland 2,114 and Northern Ireland 668)
- 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 return the bowel cancer screening test
- Bowel cancer accounts for 10% of all male cancer deaths
Stay Well Winchester
The Winchester Wellness Team