The Institute sponsors Rotary Bowelscan in Rotary Districts 9680, 9690, 9710 and part of 9750 as part of its current community awareness activities.

For the past 20 years, Rotary Bowelscan has been offering screening to Australians with the aim of raising awareness of bowel cancer and finding polyps and cancer early, when they are easier to treat and cure.

In 2008, around 132 cancers or polyps likely to develop into cancer were detected through the Program.  Since the Program began, the number detected totals 1,504. 

Rotary Bowelscan uses a Hemoccult II Guaiac Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). The test looks for blood in bowel motions, which may be a sign of bowel cancer.

Tests are sold through participating pharmacies for $10 and can also be obtained from the Institute (please note if obtained from the Institute, payment is required on return on the test to Rotary Bowelscan). The cost includes testing by an accredited pathology laboratory and notification of results via the Bowelscan Medical Coordinator. All tests come complete with easy to follow instructions. The Institute does not receive any benefit, financial or otherwise, in return for distributing the Rotary Bowelscan test.

The simple, inexpensive and non-intrusive test can be performed in the privacy of your home.

The Bowelscan Program is a service to the community and all proceeds are returned back into the Bowelscan program to ensure its continuation and expansion.

For further information visit the Bowelscan website.

To request a Rotary Bowelscan test kit click here

Rotary Bowelscan Hemoccult II Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit and poster

Download an instruction sheet  (PDF)