Top 1% — Elite Historical Figure
Denis Burkitt
Surgery · Oncology
United Kingdom
50 H-Index
6,618 Citations
469 Total Impact
GLLasker Award (1972)0
Overview
Denis Burkitt was a surgery and oncology specialist with an H-index of 50. Described Burkitt lymphoma, the first cancer linked to a virus, and pioneered the dietary fiber hypothesis. Based in United Kingdom.
For Patients
- Research was cited 7K+ times by other doctors and scientists
- Based at Mulago Hospital in United Kingdom
Biography
Denis Burkitt was an Irish-born British surgeon who described Burkitt lymphoma in 1958, the first human cancer linked to a virus (Epstein-Barr virus). He later pioneered the dietary fiber hypothesis, linking Western diets low in fiber to colorectal cancer and other diseases.
Affiliations & Institutions
Research Impact
10 Publications
6,618 Total Citations
5K+ Citation Milestone
Publication Timeline
Published In
CancerBritish journal of surgeryThe LancetBMJJAMA
Key Publications
Epidemiology of cancer of the colon and rectum
A sarcoma involving the jaws in african children
EFFECT OF DIETARY FIBRE ON STOOLS AND TRANSIT-TIMES, AND ITS ROLE IN THE CAUSATION OF DISEASE
Diverticular disease of the colon: a deficiency disease of Western civilization.
Dietary Fiber and Disease
Areas of Expertise
Medical Specialties
Clinical Knowledge & Procedures
Legacy Timeline
The life and contributions of Denis Burkitt
1946
Arrived in Uganda as colonial surgeon
Began surgical work at Mulago Hospital in Kampala
1958
Described Burkitt lymphoma
Published first description of the jaw sarcoma affecting African children
1964
Mapped geographic distribution of the lymphoma
Safari across Africa demonstrating geographic link to malaria and EBV
1971
Published dietary fiber hypothesis
Linked Western low-fiber diets to colorectal cancer and other diseases
Media Archive