By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
ROTARY clubs from Belgrave, Emerald and Monbulk districts are urging people to have their bowels tested in May.
For the entire month of May, bowel screening kits are on sale from participating pharmacies for $10, an initiative promoted by local Rotary clubs.
The tests are an early warning detection system for bowel cancer, which is the most common internal cancer in Australians over the age of 40.
George Hammon, of Belgrave Rotary Club, said it could be viewed as precautionary.
“We don’t want people to think if they have a positive result they have bowel cancer,” he said.
“These tests are a screening process to pick up any early warning signs that mean you need further advice from your doctor.“
Catching early warning signs can potentially save lives with a 90 per cent chance of being cured if the signs are recognised and treated early enough.
“The test is very simple and there are clear instructions for people to follow when testing at home,” he said.
A positive test will be notified to both the tester and their GP within a week.
Both a positive or negative test will also be advised of and a reminder will be issued yearly when the screening program is operating.
There are no obvious signs or symptoms of bowel cancer, so regular testing can potentially save lives.
