When you give the Gift of Discovery, you help fund pioneering cancer research projects like the kind led by Dr Alberto Martin. His study uncovered a potential way to reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. And, because people with IBD experience chronic inflammation of the colon, they have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Thanks to research you made possible, Dr Martin and his team discovered that when the colon is inflamed, gut bacteria produce chemicals that damage the DNA of colon cells; this can cause the cells to become cancerous.

The team also found that antioxidants, such as vitamin C, helped to reduce DNA damage and tumour formation, pointing to the possibility of using this common supplement as a way to help more people with IBD lower their odds of developing colon cancer.

Dr Martin says his study suggests that oral antioxidants could help prevent colon cancer in people with IBD, noting that none of this amazing work would have been possible without your support.

“Funding by CCS was absolutely critical as it jump-started this research program,” says Dr Martin, “and it allowed us to secure additional funds to complete the research.”

Thank you for helping to bring this innovative research to light – and for helping those at risk of colon cancer have better outcomes.