Get tested for bowel cancer

Published on 07 May 2020

Gannawarra residents aged 50 years and over are encouraged to get tested for bowel cancer.

May is Bowelscan Month, which usually involves Rotary rolling out its bowel cancer testing kits throughout Australia.

However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the delivery of these kits will not occur in 2020 – the first time since the initiative began in 1982 – with residents encouraged to purchase a pack, which costs $20, by visiting www.rotarybowelscan.com.au

“Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, and although it affects all age groups, people aged 50 years and over are more at risk,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“If detected early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated.”

The test is completed at home, is non-invasive and requires no food or medication restrictions.

“Those who access a test are required to collect a brushing of a sample and return the kit in the reply-paid envelope included with the kit,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Testing is by approved pathologists, and a letter of results will be sent to you and your GP.”

Bowel cancer symptoms include:

• Bleeding in the stool or on the toilet paper;
• Change in bowel habit;
• Unexplained abdominal pain;
• Weight loss;
• Loss of appetite;
• Feeling more tired than normal; and
• Polyps.

“If you have any of these symptoms, I encourage you to speak to your local GP or Pharmacist or access a Bowelscan kit online,” Mayor Learmonth said.