An x-ray room (File Photo)

More Nova Scotian’s will now be able to get possible life-saving cancer screening and treatment due to a new endoscopy room coming to The Dartmouth General.

Having contributed $215, 000, The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation helped to make the room possible, which will be the third of its kind at the hospital.

“The opening of this third suite represents a significant increase in the volume of colon cancer screening colonoscopies done at Dartmouth General Hospital. This translates into saving Nova Scotian lives through the prevention of colon cancer. It is a big deal. It is a major step forward for Nova Scotia and will help our provincial screening program meet important timelines and clinical benchmarks. We at Dartmouth General Hospital are extremely grateful to the DGH Foundation for the equipment funding and thank those who donated.”
– Dr. Chadwick Williams, Endoscopy Site Lead and Internal Medicine Site Lead, Dartmouth General Hospital

Nova Scotia has among the highest colorectal cancer rates in Canada with roughly 800 new cases every year. However, through the province’s Colon Cancer Prevention Program, Nova Scotians between the ages of 50-74 will receive home screening kits, for early detection. If the results of those are abnormal, they will be scheduled for a colonoscopy.

“When a cancer is detected early, patients have more treatment options and a better chance at survival and recovery,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “The new endoscopy room will allow more patients to get the care they need sooner, which may save their life.”

There were 4,000 colonoscopies completed last year as follow up to abnormal at home results and now about 125 more people each month will be able to have colonoscopies as part of the program.