Decembeard: Grow a beard to help beat bowel cancer

Colin, 64, from the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago and is now on a mission help eradicate the disease.

“I’ve worn many hats working in industries from petroleum and energy, to insurance and education and farming,” he said.

“Now I continue another endeavour, to help us better understand a disease of many forms: to rid us all of bowel cancer.

“I will do my best to overcome bowel cancer by supporting research and social engagement on this indiscriminate imposter.”

Colin will join thousands of men around Australia for this fun hair-raising fundraiser throughout December which encourages men to grow a beard or take a Beard Challenge to raise money for Bowel Cancer Australia.

Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer, affecting around one in 11 men in their lifetime, yet it remains largely unspoken about.

“That’s why we’ve dedicated December to raising much-needed awareness and funds to address bowel cancer in men,” Bowel Cancer Australia’s Claire Annear said.

The Decembeard campaign features photos of people who have been affected by bowel cancer, including Colin, and their loved ones. 

The images were taken by photographer Matt Korinek who lost his mum to the disease.

“By using photographs of real people and sharing their stories, we hope people who come across the Decembeard campaign will stop and realise, ‘That could be me, my husband, my brother, my dad’,” Ms Annear said.

“Anyone can get involved and there are no complicated rules.

“Grow a beard, sponsor someone who is, or get your friends involved by hosting a beard-themed fundraiser.”

More than 8000 Australian men are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, with the risk increasing every year from age 50. 

About 55 per cent of all Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are men.

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