By Kath Gannaway
Everyone loves cheap insurance, and while in the usual sense Rotary clubs are not in the insurance game, they are happy to take on that role when it comes to the early detection of bowel cancer.
Rotary clubs, in conjunction with local pharmacies, have been making Bowelscan bowel cancer screening tests available in their communities for a number of years and the program is again operating throughout May.
At $10 for the Bowelscan testing kit, it is cheap life insurance.
District organiser, Healesville Rotary Club member and former GP, Dr Ian Tinney, recommends a yearly scan to detect potential signs of cancer for everyone over 50 years of age.
Over the years the tests have turned up positive results, leading people to seek further medical attention.
“There is no doubt early detection saves lives,” he said.
Bowelscan is a self-testing kit using stool samples taken over four days and is available at pharmacies in Warburton, Yarra Junction, Woori Yallock, Wandin, Seville and Healesville, along with other pharmacies around Yarra Ranges.
The good news is that the test is now much easier to do and there is no requirement to go on a special diet beforehand.
Another change is that the kit is returned directly to the pathology organisation, so no need to take it in to the pharmacy.
Call in to your local pharmacy during May to find out whether they are part of the Rotary Bowelscan program.
For more information on bowel cancer, visit bowelcanceraustralia.org.
