Inuvik (Jan 24/05) - Before Dennie Lennie succumbed to colorectal cancer last January, he started a fundraising drive to help with prevention and earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Lennie passed away before he was able to achieve his goal, but a fund was set up to continue the work. Over the past year, community members and organizations have responded with more than $40,000 in donations, which were put towards the purchase of a colonoscope for Inuvik Regional Hospital.

"Our family is very grateful to all those individuals and companies that gave so generously to keep Dennie's dream alive," said his wife Barb Lennie.

Regional hospital medical director Braam De Klerk says having the new equipment will allow the hospital to perform more examinations on site.

"Instead of people going to Yellowknife, we can do (the procedure) here now," he said. "And without having to bring in Stanton's (Yellowknife hospital) equipment."

*It is the most common form of cancer in NWT males and the second leading cause of death next to lung cancer.

*The NWT colorectal cancer rate is one-and-a-half times the national rate.

*The disease is increasingly viewed as preventable. Primary prevention focuses on dietary factors, including maintaining a diet rich in fibre, fresh foods and vegetables and low in saturated fat.

*Secondary prevention focuses on the importance of regular screening, consisting of an annual blood test and colonoscopy.

*Screening is recommended for everyone over the age of 50 and earlier for those with a family history of the disease.

*The Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Authority is considering piloting an organized screening program. The colonoscope is therefore a great step forward in making this a reality.