One Nova Scotian dies every day from a disease that is 90% preventable. That disease is colorectal cancer.

The key to prevention is early detection, and we’re fortunate in Nova Scotia to have an incredible screening program. Each year, 175,000 FIT screening tests are mailed to Nova Scotians aged 50–74. Unfortunately, only 34% of these tests are completed and returned. An average of 15% of FIT tests completed each year come back with a positive result. Of these, an average of 4% will have a malignancy (cancer). The other 96% will almost always have polyps—some harmless and some adenomatous, which are considered pre-cancerous.

On Friday, March 3 we will mark the 15th Anniversary of Get Up There (GUT) as we climb Ski Wentworth to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Funds raised through GUT have helped the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation purchase state-of-the-art equipment and technology used to screen for colorectal cancer. In late 2022, Dartmouth General Hospital opened a 3rd Endoscopy Suite which is being used exclusively for screening FIT-positive patients, thanks to the efforts of GUT participants, sponsors and donors. This year, funds raised through GUT 2023 will support a public awareness and education campaign designed to encourage all Nova Scotians who receive a FIT test to complete and return it. 

I would greatly appreciate any support you’re able to give! Whether it’s a donation or simply helping to spread the word about this silent killer, every little bit helps. Most importantly, if you have a FIT test sitting around at home, use it. Please help us Get Up There and save more Nova Scotians from colorectal cancer!