Krya Hansen is using her own difficult health experience to raise awareness in an attempt to help others.

Hansen, 45, was diagnosed last year with Stage 4 rectal cancer and continues to undergo treatment. She was only aware of a potential issue when she went to her doctor with symptoms, and a colonoscopy later confirmed the diagnosis.

On Thursday, she spoke in favour of a bill tabled by the Nova Scotia Liberal caucus that would lower the routine age for colon cancer screening to 45 from 50.

“With a cancer diagnosis, there’s I think a good understanding — especially with a Stage 4 diagnosis — that my time here may be shorter than most people’s time,” Hansen told reporters.

In Nova Scotia, home test kits are sent to everyone with a health card when they turn 50, and those kits continue to be sent every two years until a person turns 75.

Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said beginning to send those kits to people when they turn 45 would cost about $500,000, but he told reporters that the cost would be more than offset by the savings the health-care system would realize by earlier detection, along with the lives that could be saved.

“There are people in the middle of their lives, working, raising families, contributing to communities, facing a diagnosis no one expects,” he said.

“Early detection matters.”

In Nova Scotia, about 900 people a year are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 300 people die.

Rankin said lowering the routine screening age to 45, something that’s already happened in the United States and Australia, could have a positive impact.

Health minister assessing situation

Health Minister Michelle Thompson wouldn’t commit to supporting the Liberal bill, but she said the issue is on the radar of officials in her department.

“We’ve been in touch with experts,” she told reporters. “We understand that that recommendation has come forward, and we’re currently looking at that in the department.”

Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, 48 per cent of the home screening tests sent to Nova Scotians were returned successfully, according to Nova Scotia Health.

Thompson said officials would like to see that figure above 60 per cent. She said the health authority is mounting an awareness campaign and she’s hoping the numbers can improve.

“The earlier we get a diagnosis, the better it is in terms of outcomes and can intervene more quickly,” Thompson said.

Hansen said she’s doing her part to raise awareness.

She’s been open about her diagnosis with friends and acquaintances, and posts regular updates about her treatment on social media.

“It’s definitely been a conversation starter for everybody to say, ‘Yeah, when I get that test, I’m doing that test.’”

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