By Maria Doty

5 Reasons why we need to Fight Colon Can

5 Reasons why we need to Fight Colon Cancer this Christmas

Nov 22, 2019 | 12:00 AM

NANAIMO – Every December, the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Lights the Trees in celebration of Christmas and the generosity of our donors!

This year, our Light the Trees campaign is raising $1 million to fight colon cancer at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). The funds will be used to build a new surgical suite for the Endoscopy Department at NRGH.

Why do we need to raise funds to build this new surgical suite for our community? Here are five reasons:
1. There are over 3,500 patients waiting up to 12 months for a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure at NRGH

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Colonoscopies can save lives, as they are used to diagnose serious illnesses including colon cancer. Approximately 15 to 20 procedures can be performed per day, but 50 new people are added to the wait list daily. The only way to reduce wait times for this vital procedure is by building a new surgical suite.

2. Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada

One in every thirteen men and one in every sixteen women will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime.

3. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and third in women
When found early, colon cancer is highly treatable. Quicker access to colonoscopies can help patients get the treatment they need sooner for better health outcomes.

4. Statistically, 30 – 40 patients on the wait list at NRGH have undiagnosed colon cancer

The new surgical suite will help get these patients the diagnosis and treatment they need sooner.

5. Colonoscopies can remove precancerous polyps before they turn into colon cancer

With only two surgical suites, NRGH cannot keep up with demand for colonoscopies. The addition of a third suite will help more patients get a colonoscopy sooner and potentially avoid a colon cancer diagnosis.

With the new suite, up to 35% more procedures will be performed, significantly reducing colonoscopy wait times. The total cost to build the new surgical suite is $1.5 million and we have already raised one third – $500,000! The remaining funds must be raised to make this surgical suite a reality.

Help ensure our loved ones can get the diagnosis and treatment they need sooner and closer to home.

Please donate today and Light the Trees!

And during December, the closer we are to our goal, the more Christmas lights on the trees at NRGH’s entrance will be lit up. Thank you for supporting your local hospital, NRGH!