THE combined Redlands' Rotary Clubs' annual Bowelscan campaign is gearing up to run throughout March and the organisations are encouraging people to purchase a $6 Bowelscan test kit next month and take a simple screening test for occult (hidden) blood in the faeces.
The presence of such blood could indicate the presence of bowel cancer or polyps, benign growths in the bowel that can become cancerous.
Next to skin cancer, bowel cancer is the most common cancer to affect both males and females in Western societies and more than 100 Australians die every week from the condition.
Statistically, one in every 17 men and one in every 27 women will develop bowel cancer and the older a person is, the greater is their chance of developing the disease.
The statistics suggest a grim scenario but they also indicate bowel cancer is curable when detected in its earliest stages.
That's where Rotary's Bowelscan test kits can help.
Bowelscan kits are available from all Redlands pharmacies.
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology will analyse the tests and provide a report for no cost, provided specimens are returned to a participating pharmacy during the campaign.
Bowel cancer survivor Max Bissett, also known to many as Redland City's town crier, is an avid supporter of Rotary's Bowelscan project.
"I wouldn't be here without it," Max said.
"In March 2003, a Bowelscan test picked up that I had something wrong.
"In June 2003, I had major surgery.
"I've worn a colostomy bag ever since and in November last year I was given 100 per cent clearance.
Max said the Bowelscan campaign was "a great program".
"People should get a kit for themself and their next-door neighbour and make sure they both get tested," he said.
For further information, including where to purchase and return kits, visit the Redlands Rotary Bowelscan website at www.redlandsbowel scan.org.au.