Denis Burkitt: A Cancer, the Virus, and the Prevention of Man-Made Diseases

Dr. Denis Parsons Burkitt, a pioneer in the dietary fiber movement, is portrayed in this biography as a personal but holistic portrait of the man and his life's work. It includes excerpts from his personal diaries and family archives, showcasing his journey from his childhood in Ireland to his medical studies in Dublin, army service in Africa during WWII, and his contributions to cancer research in Uganda. The book explores Burkitt's personal views, including his experiences as an evangelical Christian, and his impact on the field of cancer research and prevention.

Format: Hardback
Length: 417 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This biography of Dr. Denis Parsons Burkitt, after whom the childhood cancer Burkitt's lymphoma was named, and who was a pioneer of the dietary fiber movement, paints a personal but holistic portrait of both the man and his life's work. Featuring excerpts from Dr. Burkitt's personal diaries, spanning seven decades from his boyhood to just before his passing, and extensive family archives, this book invites readers to follow Burkitt's journey through life and experience his tribulations and successes. Prof. John Cummings was a colleague of Dr. Burkitt and weaves the tale of his life through the lens of family, faith, and science.

The journey takes Burkitt from his childhood in Ireland, a country undergoing major social upheaval, through his medical studies in Dublin, to army service in Africa in the midst of WWII and the independence movements that swept the continent in the following years. During his two decades spent in Uganda, working for the Colonial Medical Service, Burkitt made his first major contribution to cancer research - the characterization of Burkitt's lymphoma and its possible viral cause. Following his return to England in 1966, he turned his attention to the cause of 'Western Diseases, especially the role of dietary fiber in the prevention of disease and promotion of health. This earned him even wider international recognition and helped to inspire what is a vital field of research today.

The book examines Burkitt's personal views of the world around him, including his experiences as a committed evangelical Christian who had been raised an Irish Protestant, and the challenges, both familial and cultural, that this elicited from and towards him and his scientific work.

The lymphoma and later the fiber story propelled Denis into an orbit of worldwide travel.

Burkitt's work in the field of dietary fiber has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of people around the world. He recognized the importance of a healthy diet and the role that dietary fiber plays in promoting good health. He conducted extensive research on the benefits of dietary fiber and published numerous papers and books on the subject.

One of Burkitt's most significant contributions to the field of dietary fiber was his development of the concept of "whole grains." He recognized that whole grains are a rich source of dietary fiber and other essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. He encouraged people to include whole grains in their diets and promoted the use of whole grain products in place of refined grains.

Burkitt's work on dietary fiber has also had significant implications for public health. He helped to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and the role that dietary fiber plays in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. He also helped to promote the use of dietary fiber as a tool in weight management and as a way to improve overall health.

In addition to his work on dietary fiber, Burkitt was also a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He worked tirelessly to promote the rights of marginalized communities and to fight against poverty and inequality. He was a founding member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and served as the organization's president from 1967 to 1971.

Burkitt's legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world. His work in the field of dietary fiber has helped to improve the health and well-being of countless individuals, and his commitment to social justice and human rights has inspired generations of activists and advocates.

In conclusion, this biography of Dr. Denis Parsons Burkitt provides a fascinating and comprehensive portrait of a remarkable man and his life's work. It sheds light on Burkitt's personal experiences, his contributions to the field of dietary fiber, and his commitment to social justice and human rights. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of medicine, nutrition, and social change, and it serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a significant impact on the world.

Weight: 790g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030885625
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022