Decembeard is an annual campaign held every December, organized by Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness and garner support for bowel cancer. The initiative encourages individuals to grow beards or mustaches, or even wear fake ones, as a symbol of solidarity with those impacted by the disease.

The primary aim of Decembeard is to educate people about the symptoms of bowel cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection. As the UK's second-largest cancer killer, bowel cancer claims the lives of over 44 individuals daily.

Key Details About Decembeard:

1. Origin and Purpose:

• Decembeard started as an extension of other facial hair awareness campaigns, such as Movember (which focuses on men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health). Decembeard shifts the focus specifically to bowel cancer awareness.
• Bowel Cancer UK, the leading charity behind Decembeard, uses this campaign to highlight the symptoms, early detection, and prevention of bowel cancer. By raising awareness, the goal is to encourage early diagnosis, which can significantly improve survival rates.
• The funds raised through Decembeard go toward bowel cancer research, supporting those affected, and spreading awareness of lifestyle factors that may reduce cancer risk.

2. How it Works:

• Participants: The campaign encourages men to start the month of December clean-shaven and then grow a beard throughout the month. Those who already have facial hair can also participate by setting their own challenge, such as styling their beard differently or growing it out further.
• Participants register on the Decembeard website or through Bowel Cancer UK’s fundraising platforms. They create personal or team fundraising pages, where friends, family, and colleagues can sponsor them throughout the month.
• Participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media, using hashtags like #Decembeard to spread the message and raise awareness.
• While the focus is on men growing beards, women can also get involved by encouraging participation, helping raise funds, or coming up with their own challenges to support the campaign.

3. Bowel Cancer Awareness:

• Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal or colon cancer, affects the large bowel, which is part of the digestive system. Bowel Cancer UK emphasizes the importance of recognizing the symptoms of the disease, which can include:
  • Changes in bowel habits (persistent diarrhea or constipation)
  • Blood in the stool
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
• Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, and the campaign promotes regular screenings, particularly for people over the age of 50 or those with a family history of bowel cancer.

4. Fundraising Efforts:

• Sponsorship: The core of the fundraising effort comes from participants being sponsored by friends, family, and coworkers for growing their beards. Sponsors can donate directly to the participant’s page, which is linked to the official Bowel Cancer UK platform.
• Workplace Involvement: Many companies and organizations get involved by encouraging employees to participate, creating friendly competitions, and matching employee donations.
• Events and Challenges: Some participants take Decembeard further by organizing fundraising events like beard competitions, shaving parties (either at the start or end of the month), or holding educational talks to raise awareness about bowel cancer.

5. Bowel Cancer in the UK:

• Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with more than 42,000 new cases diagnosed each year. However, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with around 16,000 deaths annually.
• Early detection is key to survival, as 9 out of 10 cases can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Decembeard plays an essential role in spreading awareness about the importance of screening, particularly as bowel cancer can affect both men and women, although men are statistically more likely to be diagnosed.

6. Support from Celebrities and Influencers:

• Decembeard has received widespread support from celebrities, influencers, and public figures, who help boost awareness of the campaign and increase its visibility. Some well-known personalities participate by growing beards, promoting fundraising events, or sharing personal stories of how bowel cancer has affected them or their loved ones.
• Public support from high-profile figures helps bring the campaign to a wider audience and underscores the importance of getting involved, whether by growing a beard, sponsoring someone, or simply spreading the message.

7. Campaign Success and Impact:

• Over the years, Decembeard has grown in popularity and success, raising significant funds for Bowel Cancer UK’s work. The campaign has helped fund research projects, patient support programs, and educational initiatives to improve bowel cancer outcomes in the UK.
• As public awareness of bowel cancer increases, more people are undergoing regular screenings and paying attention to potential symptoms, which is the ultimate goal of the campaign.
• Many participants who take part in Decembeard continue to advocate for bowel cancer awareness beyond December, making the campaign an important driver of long-term engagement.

8. How to Get Involved:

• Sign Up: Interested participants can sign up for Decembeard on the Bowel Cancer UK website. There, they can create personal or team fundraising pages, set goals, and access resources to help them spread the word and raise funds.
• Donate: Those who don’t want to grow a beard but still want to support the cause can donate to participants or directly to Bowel Cancer UK.
• Spread Awareness: Sharing information about bowel cancer, Decembeard, and the importance of early detection on social media and within local communities helps broaden the campaign’s reach.
• Organize Events: Some people choose to organize beard-growing competitions, fundraising dinners, or educational events as a way to get more people involved and raise additional funds.

Conclusion:

Decembeard Month is a fun yet impactful way for men in the UK to grow beards for a great cause—raising awareness and funds for bowel cancer. Through this campaign, Bowel Cancer UK continues to support vital research and provide resources to those affected by the disease, while also encouraging early diagnosis and prevention. With the help of participants and donors, Decembeard plays an important role in the fight against bowel cancer, making a difference in the lives of thousands across the UK.