The Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF) is asking New Zealand to ‘GIVE IT UP’ for gut cancers. Kiwis are being asked to give up alcohol, sugar or the sofa for the month of March to help fund researchers to find new ways to detect, treat and beat these cancers.

“Research has shown that obesity and excessive alcohol consumption are two factors which greatly increase the risk of developing a gut cancer. Research also suggests regular exercise could help reduce the chances of developing these diseases. Asking New Zealanders to raise money for research, whilst helping to reduce their own risks makes perfect sense,” says GCF Executive Officer Liam Willis.

Sign up to join the Off the Sofa Squad during Give it Up for Gut Cancer.

Gut cancers are the most common form of cancer in New Zealand. 1 in 5 of all cancer diagnoses in New Zealand is a gut cancer. Survival rates for this group of cancers are sadly low - often devastatingly so. Just 50 percent of Kiwis diagnosed with a gut cancer will survive beyond 5 years. Gut cancers include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, bowel, and anal cancers.