By NICOLE VALICEK
BOWELSCAN community awareness program will be supported by the Rotary Clubs of Altona, Altona City and Williamstown during the month of May.
The very effective anti-cancer program is a simple screening test that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Bowel cancer claims more lives in Australia than road accidents or breast cancer, with approximately 12,000 new cases and 5000 deaths from bowel cancer each year.
However, 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be cured if detected early.
The early detection kit can be purchased from selected local pharmacy for only $10, used at home and then returned to the pharmacy.
Altona Rotary Club secretary Therese McKenney-Campbell said the beauty about the kits is that they are so user-friendly.
In 2012 Hobsons Bay sold 311 kits with 229 returned and only four people needing a follow-up appointment.
Ms McKenney-Campbell said bowel cancer is a silent killer and was something people do not consider until it is too late.
“This can be prevented at an earlier stage if caught. Even if there’s any slight differences in the analysis when doing testing with kits they do notify the people.”
The cost of the screening test includes the supply and testing of each kit as well as mailed notification of your result by the Bowelscan Medical Coordinator.
Everyone over the age of 40 years is encouraged to participate in the Bowelscan Program.
The kits will be available to purchase for $10 throughout the month of May from number of pharmacies including in the Altona, Newport, Williamstown, Sunshine and Yarraville areas.
