For the month of March, the Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF) is asking Kiwis to give up something they enjoy – choosing between alcohol, sweet treats, or being sedentary on the couch – to raise funds to fight the range of gut cancers afflicting New Zealanders, and in the process make sustainable lifestyle changes that will help reduce their own cancer risk.
New statistics from the Ministry of Health confirm that gut cancers remain the most common form of cancer in New Zealand, with notable recent increases in the rates of oesophageal, liver, and pancreatic cancer. On average, 17 Kiwis are diagnosed with a gut cancer every day, or more than 6,000 of us every year. The figures represent a terrible toll being paid by cancer fighters and their loved ones, all of whom are the impetus behind the third annual GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer campaign.
The GCF team is aiming high in a bid to outstrip its own peer-to-peer fundraising record: after garnering 790 registrations and $174,000 in donations from the 2022 GIVE IT UP campaign (a 73 percent increase on funds raised in the inaugural 2021 campaign), a target of $350,000 has been set for 2023’s GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer.
“This is a positive campaign that is focused on supporting those who are affected by gut cancers and those who want to reduce their own risk. We know lifestyle change can be challenging at first and easier as part of a community, which is why GIVE IT UP can be a team-based fundraising drive involving gyms, workplaces, family groups, or groups of friends,” said GCF Executive Officer Liam Willis
Experts behind the GIVE IT UP campaign include Dr Clare Wall, Professor of Nutrition who sits on the Scientific Advisory committee, and for the third year running 4 Wheels of Health co-founder and nutritionist Sean Robertson. Dr Wall explains: “It’s difficult changing our behaviours towards food and exercise, however this is a great way to find support to motivate you to change your lifestyle. Less sedentary behaviour, eating healthy food and being a health weight are important steps for reducing gut cancer risk.”
Mr Willis says, “There is more data emerging all the time to indicate that we have some control over individual cancer risk. Statistics from the World Cancer Research Fund International show that around 40 percent of cancer cases could be prevented by tackling risk factors relating to diet, nutrition and physical activity, while Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency, states that approximately 30 to 50 percent of all cancers are preventable if we address – among other factors – the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods and habits such as too little exercise.
GIVE IT UP is the only ‘give up’ campaign with an education pillar, so Kiwis learn the ‘why’ behind the risk factors and get the encouragement they need to make positive lifestyle changes while knowing they’re showing up for fellow Kiwis affected by gut cancers.”
GCF is running a webinar series through March for GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer participants and supporters:
- Monday 20 March: Discussion of the importance of sleep in weight loss.
- Monday 27 March – Final week of the challenge and a discussion about how to keep going beyond the end of the month.
Despite the prevalence and toll of gut cancers in New Zealand, GCF is one of only two charities representing them. GCF focuses on research for earlier diagnosis and better treatments, and on awareness of signs and symptoms of gut cancers. GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer raises essential funds to progress this work and save more lives.
Clear Head Drinks, the largest stockists of alcohol-free drinks in New Zealand, are also getting behind the GIVE IT UP campaign and encouraging people to enjoy quality crafted adult drinks, in a healthier way.
Clear Head Drinks is offering a 10% discount for online purchases from their website for all Give It Up for Gut Cancer participants and are providing a $400 prize pack, which everyone who raises over $1000 goes in the draw to win.
If you’re interested in making a positive change for our own long-term health, as well as helping those affected by gut cancers, sign up for 2023’s GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer. All the information you need is on https://www.giveitup.nz/
Fact Sheet
- Gut cancers are the group of cancers that affect the digestive system. Also known as gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, they include cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder and bile duct, pancreas and bowel (the bowel includes the small intestine, large intestine (or colon) and rectum).
- Common risk factors that increase your chance of developing a gut cancer:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Diet high in animal fat
- Diet containing high amounts of salted, cured, or poorly preserved foods
- Diet low in fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Increasing age
- Ways to reduce the risk of developing a gut cancer:
- Do not smoke
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Be physically active
- Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruit
- Limit your intake of alcohol
- Symptoms vary between the different cancers but the most common include:
- Stomach/ abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight-loss
- Changes in stool and bowel movements
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Mid-back pain
- New-onset diabetes
- Jaundice (yellowish eyes or skin) & itchy skin
About the Gut Cancer Foundation
Gut cancer is the term for cancers of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and bowel. Each year, more than 6,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a gut cancer and half of these people will die within five years of diagnosis. It is collectively the most common form of cancer in New Zealand yet is rarely spoken about.
The Gut Cancer Foundation is committed to delivering an everlasting impact and positive change for all New Zealanders affected by gut cancers. With help from our communities and international networks we can fund expert research, education and increase awareness to help our loved ones live their lives free of life-threatening gut cancers.
