Gunnedah Rotary member Terry Hagley is passionate about the Bowelscan program which the organisation runs every year in May.
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Bowelscan kits will be available from Gunnedah Discount Drug Store and Karen Carter Chemist until the end of May.
The potentially life-saving kits do not require diet or medication changes, samples can be sent by reply paid envelope through Australia Post and a rebate can be claimed by some health insurance providers.
The kit carries a cost of $15 and can facilitate early diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Rotary has been running the initiative since 1987 and will have a stand containing kits outside Gunnedah Discount Drug Store from 9am-5pm this Saturday to the following Saturday.
Mr Hagley said early detection of bowel cancer could influence the outcome for individuals.
“People think every three years [of testing] is okay, but it’s not, really,” he said.
“It’s important to do it every year.”
The results of Bowelscan kits that have been sent away are usually received within a fortnight.
“Everyone always thinks it’s going to happen to someone else,” Mr Hagley said.
“Most of the people detected with this program had no symptoms.”
Last year in the Rotary 965 district, which includes Foster, Moree and Gunnedah, 964 positive results for bowel cancer were detected through the kits.
Pop down to the local chemists or see Rotary members to pick up a Bowelscan kit this May.
