Help beat bowel cancer this December! Julie Deverick BSDHT

  Posted by: Dental Design      22nd November 2019

Bowel cancer remains one of the most serious types of cancer. In the UK, it is estimated that there are as many as 42,000 new cases diagnosed every year. While the majority of these cases affect those over the age of 50 (94%), bowel cancer can affect people of any age and is a serious threat.[i]

In fact, bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer, and has the second highest mortality rate of all cancers in the UK.[ii]

Dental professionals may already be aware that there has been a potential link between severe periodontal disease and increased incidence of bowel cancer. One study claims that those with poor periodontal health could be up to 24% more at risk of developing malignant bowel tumours compared to those with good periodontal health.[iii]

As such, it’s always a good idea to warn any patients about these risks, especially if they are showing signs of significant plaque build-up or other, more serious, signs of periodontitis. Explaining this connection could very well be the key to effectively encouraging better oral health maintenance.

Of course, there are other ways to support the fight against bowel cancer too. Bowel Cancer UK hosts a wonderful initiative every December called Decembeard. This campaign encourages individuals to shave all facial hair at the end of November and spend the month of December growing out their beard as long as possible to gain donations!

Of course, for those who can’t grow beards the charity also offers a number of other ways to raise funds for the cause. Whether you fancy trekking, skydiving, cycling or swimming, there are plenty of ways to join together with your team, do something active and raise money to beat this type of cancer by supporting the incredible research the charity does.

You can find out more about the different ways to fundraise as well as look at any nearby events that you and your team can join in with HERE: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/

The battle against cancer continues. By working together with your team and joining in to raise funds, warning patients about the importance of good oral hygiene and going the extra mile to improve awareness, you can make an impact.

For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk

call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

[i] Bowel Cancer UK. Facts and Figures About Bowel Cancer. Link: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/bowel-cancer/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyqTqBRAyEiwA8K_4O5UIGqQfCmCfeRobQfl35LlGgctUMtvfKgJVZHgB1JpMSztPmi4ydhoCOUcQAvD_BwE [Last accessed August 19].

[ii] Bowel Cancer UK. Facts and Figures About Bowel Cancer. Link: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/bowel-cancer/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyqTqBRAyEiwA8K_4O5UIGqQfCmCfeRobQfl35LlGgctUMtvfKgJVZHgB1JpMSztPmi4ydhoCOUcQAvD_BwE [Last accessed August 19].

[iii] Science Daily. More Evidence of Link Between Severe Gum disease and Cancer Risk. Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180116111145.htm [Last accessed August 19].

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