Every day, one Nova Scotian dies from a disease that is 90% preventable: colorectal cancer.

For me personally, because I returned the FIT test mailout as instructed, I was found to have pre-cancerous polyps. Shortly after, I had a colonoscopy and the polyps were removed during the procedure. I have since had a follow-up re-check and thankfully, I am clear and clean. I am truly grateful for the awareness, screening and the opportunity to have this potential cancer stopped in it's tracks. Other members of my family along with some friends, have also been affected by this disease.

More than 100 incredible community members Get Up There every year to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Funds raised through GUT outfitted a third Endoscopy Suite at Dartmouth General Hospital, used exclusively for screening FIT-positive (Fecal Immunochemical Test) patients, effectively eliminating the waiting list for these individuals.

Since then, GUT funds have supported a public education and awareness effort aimed at encouraging more individuals to complete and return their FIT tests. Currently, only 45% of individuals who receive the kit complete and return it. Early detection is the best weapon we have to fight colorectal cancer. Join us - together, we can make a difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xAF1KRLi_g