/R E P E A T -- Third Annual Decembeard Awareness Challenge!/

MONTREAL, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Decembeard is a Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC) awareness campaign that challenges REAL men… and dare we say, REAL women to grow a beard during the month of December. The goal of the challenge is to get people talking about colon cancer and to raise vital funds for the cause. Participants obtain sponsorship and grow a beard, decorate their current one, or even sport a fake one while sharing their progress over social media all to provide support for cancer patients. To help us this year, we have teamed up with Big City Beards who offer organic beard care products – perfect for our beard-growing participants!

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer of men and women in Canada, yet it is 90% preventable and curable if caught in its early stages. In 2016, approximately 26,100 Canadians (14,500 men and 11,600 women) will be diagnosed with the disease. These statistics underline the importance in raising funds to help us raise awareness and support those touched by this cancer in Canada.

Having raised an impressive $43,000 last year, our 2016 target is $100,000.

"Colorectal cancer crosses borders, however, it doesn't stop at our borders and neither does our campaign.  Consequently, we partner with colon cancer associations around the world in solidarity to help bring an end to this difficult disease," says Barry D. Stein, President of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.

Get ready to grow. To register or for more information, visit:  www.decembeardcanada.com

About the CCAC

The Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada is the country's leading non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of colorectal cancer, supporting patients and advocating on their behalf. In 2014, the Association proudly joined our international friends across the pond in the UK, in Australia and in New Zealand in the Decembeard campaign for colon cancer.

Visit: www.colorectal-cancer.ca  for up-to-date information on colorectal cancer or call 1.877.50.COLON (26566).

SOURCE Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada

Image with caption: "Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CNW Group/Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161201_C3113_PHOTO_EN_829185.jpg

For further information: Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada: For further information or to schedule an interview contact: Jessica Hachey, T: [phone] ext. 225, C: [phone], [e-mail]; Barry D. Stein, President, CCAC, [e-mail], T: 514.875.7899, C: 514.944.0200