AUSSIES are being urged to grow hair anywhere, cut or colour it, or simply shave it off, to help save lives.
Queenslander Amy Delugar lost her nana Valarie to bowel cancer in 2018. This year she is taking part in Bowel Cancer Australia's annual fundraiser to help beat the disease.
"Starting a conversation about Australia's second deadliest cancer can be difficult," said Amy, from Windsor, who is shaving her hair off for the Decembhair (formerly Decembeard) fundraiser.
This year the not-for-profit is encouraging all kinds of hair-raising activities - from growing hair anywhere, colouring it or chopping it all off - in a bid to get men, and women, involved.
Amy first decided to use her hair to help make a difference in 2014. "I felt brave and cut 26cm off my hair, which was donated to be used for wigs for people suffering the side effects of cancer," she said.
"My hair has grown back, and it is longer than ever. After losing my nana, I am feeling even more brave."
This year, to honour her nana, Amy is not only cutting her hair and donating it for wigs; she's also shaving her head.
"I was extremely fortunate that I was able to spend the last two weeks of my nana's life at her side. She was so resilient and brave as she endured surgeries and chemotherapy.
"She was an utterly amazing woman and is dearly missed, not only by me but all of my family, and those she lived with in her small country town community."
Each week around 325 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer and another 108 die from the disease. It is the fourth-leading cause of death among Australians aged 45-74.
Bowel Cancer Australia director and colorectal surgeon Dr Graham Newstead said being aware of bowel cancer, and the steps to prevent and detect it early, are paramount.
"If you are aged 50 years or over, 'doing nothing is not an option when it comes to bowel cancer risk," he said.
Other fundraising ideas include growing a beard or some chin stubble, or donating the amount you spend on shaving/grooming by skipping your next waxing appointment.
DETAILS:
www.bowelcanceraustralia.org 1800-555-494.