Bowelscan test kits available

Peninsula residents aged 40 and over are being encouraged to take advantage of the Rotary Club of East Gosford's Bowelscan test kits available at all Peninsula pharmacies from June 6 to July 4.

Last year, Peninsula pharmacies sold 1312 test kits with 10 cases of pre-cancerous polyps and four cases of bowel cancer detected as a result of the Bowelscan program.

Program director Dr Walter Leijten said the Rotary Bowelscan program had been running for the past 20 years and proves that early detection of bowel cancer means survival.

Bowelscan kits will also be sold at Peninsula shopping centres from June 6 to 13.

The test is non-invasive, can be performed at home and costs $10.

Gosford gastroenterologist Dr Martin Veysey said: "Bowel cancer is real and not talking about it won't make it go away.

"In fact, it will do the opposite.

"If you're over 40, take the Bowelscan test every year.

"Our kits are made in the US and have been produced for over 20 years with an outstanding track record."

"Our lifestyles are changing for the worse.

"About two-thirds of the adult population are overweight or obese and only one in five report eating the minimum recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

"Diet and weight are both significant risk factors in the development of bowel cancer."

Bowelscan is a project of the Rotary Club of East Gosford and test kits are not connected with the Federal Government test kits.

Press release, 21 May 2009 Scott MacKillop, Brilliant Logic