Lifestyle key to dodging gut cancer
Challenge aims to raise awareness of power of change
They belong to New Zealand’s deadliest group of cancers, yet many people don’t know what they are or how to reduce their risk of developing one. Gut cancer, also known as gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, includes all cancers of the digestive system (oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder and bile duct, pancreas) and bowel (small intestine, large intestine or colon and rectum).
In 2019, 250 cases of gut cancers were diagnosed in Northland, which is high given that once diagnosed, people have just a 50 per cent chance of living for more than five years.
The region is also home to a disproportionately high incidence of gut cancers, with a rate of 132 per 100,000 people versus the national average of 114.
The Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF) aims to address this awareness gap through its annual March challenge and fundraiser Give It Up, which invites participants to give up a favourite vice for one month.
Alcohol, sugar or inactivity are all encouraged as some of the most common risk factors for gut cancer.
Other risk factors include smoking and a diet high in animal fat, salted, cured or poorly preserved foods.
This year’s challenge participants are being supported with tips and advice from the team at 4 Wheels of Health — a four-week, science-based health education course created by acclaimed Kiwi chef Simon Gault and metabolic nutritionist Sean Robertson.
Local Kerikeri participant Jade Isbister is a personal trainer and gym owner and also works at Whangarei’s Kensington Fitness.
She chose to go alcohol-free this month and said despite her existing knowledge of health and nutrition, found the introductory webinar eyeopening.
“The statistics around gut cancer were surprising and what you can do to prevent it is pretty simple,” she said.
“This challenge makes it easy to digest, easy to action and, therefore, more motivating. It’s very well done.
“I think this challenge gives people a reason to look after themselves; it can be really hard to motivate yourself,” Isbister said.
Her choice to focus on alcohol is supported by recent data from a new Pū rongo A¯ rai Mate Pukupuku — Cancer Prevention Report.
The statistics released last month by Te Aho o Te Kahu — Cancer Control Agency, show alcohol was
The statistics around gut cancer were surprising and what you can do to prevent it is pretty simple. Jade Isbister Kerikeri participant
the cause of an estimated 950 new cancer cases in Aotearoa in 2020, of which 39 per cent were bowel cancer.
The report also showed alcohol caused 23 per cent of liver cancers, 16 per cent of oesophageal cancers and 11 per cent of bowel cancers.
Give It Up participants have access to a Facebook group, with live weekly webinars featuring campaign experts and catch-up recordings.
GCF executive officer Liam Willis said the encouragement people were giving to each other in the group was amazing.
“This campaign is about understanding what’s good for us,” Willis said.
“Exercise and diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduce risk, particularly of bowel cancer.
“And higher weight is linked to all of them as reducing weight reduces risk.
“We hope participants will also implement the changes permanently, as that action will help reduce risk of
developing these cancers.”
In terms of fundraising, many cancers benefit from the advocacy work of survivors.
Willis said gut cancer’s high mortality rate meant there weren’t as many advocates to help raise awareness for these types of cancers.
“For every nine people who survive breast cancer, one dies,” Willis said.
“The ratio is the opposite for pancreatic cancer, so you don’t get those advocates and these, in turn, become silent cancers.”
According to Willis, sustaining lifestyle changes will get progressively easier.
He explained when we feed our gut microbiome healthy foods, this
affects what our bodies crave and over time, cravings for unhealthy foods lessens, making it easier to stick to our intended good habits.
“The first month of trying to make a change is likely the most difficult your body’s going to have, so doing it for another reason and with support makes it easier,” Willis said.
“It all comes down to forming good habits. Partly psychological and partly in our gut microbiome.”
Funds raised through the Give It Up challenge will support improved detection, diagnosis and treatment of the seven deadly gut cancers, while the challenge aims to raise awareness of the power of lifestyle changes.
To join the challenge, make a donation or learn more, visit: giveitup.nz.