Denis Parsons Burkitt

British surgeon and medical researcher

Denis Parsons Burkitt

Denis Parsons Burkitt (28 February 1911 – 23 March 1993) was a prominent British surgeon and medical researcher, best known for his discovery of Burkitt's lymphoma, a cancer common in children in certain parts of Africa. His work significantly advanced the understanding of cancer epidemiology and the role of diet in health.

Early Life and Education

Denis Parsons Burkitt was born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. He was the son of a civil engineer and was educated at Portora Royal School. Burkitt went on to study at Trinity College Dublin, where he initially pursued engineering before switching to medicine. He graduated with a degree in medicine in 1935.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Burkitt joined the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War II. He served in various locations, including Kenya and Uganda. It was during his time in Africa that Burkitt developed an interest in tropical diseases and cancer.

Discovery of Burkitt's Lymphoma

In 1957, while working as a surgeon in Uganda, Burkitt identified a peculiar type of cancer affecting the jaws of children. This cancer, later named Burkitt's lymphoma, was found to be endemic in certain regions of Africa. Burkitt's meticulous epidemiological studies revealed a correlation between the geographical distribution of the disease and climatic conditions, suggesting a possible infectious cause.

Burkitt's lymphoma was later linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, marking the first time a virus was associated with a human cancer. This discovery was pivotal in the field of oncovirology and opened new avenues for cancer research.

Contributions to Nutrition and Health

In addition to his work on Burkitt's lymphoma, Denis Burkitt made significant contributions to the understanding of the role of diet in health. He was a strong advocate for the consumption of dietary fiber, proposing that a high-fiber diet could prevent many Western diseases, including colorectal cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. His book, "Don't Forget Fibre in Your Diet," published in 1979, popularized the concept of dietary fiber and its health benefits.

Later Life and Legacy

Burkitt retired from active medical practice in 1964 but continued to lecture and write extensively on health and nutrition. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine, including being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Denis Parsons Burkitt passed away on 23 March 1993, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research that continues to influence medical science today.

Related Pages

• Burkitt's lymphoma
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Dietary fiber
• Oncovirology