FURTHER INFO

 

The Bowelscan testing kit

Bowelscan testing kits detect invisible traces of blood that may be present in your bowel. This may be caused by a cancer or polyp. By identifying this blood early, it enables you to seek advice and treatment from your doctor, giving you a better chance of survival against bowel cancer. However there may be a polyp or cancer present which is not bleeding and which will not show up in one test. Annual testing is therefore recommended for all men and women over 40.

Rotary in Australia have chosen to use the Bowelscan kits, provided by health supplier Helena Laboratories Australia Pty Ltd (www.helena.com), as the testing method is a cost effective, accurate and easy way of detecting bowel cancer early.

Testing for bowel cancer

Testing is simple and easy.

Detecting bowel cancer early is the key to surviving this deadly disease. By testing yourself early, you increase the chance of easier treatment and survival.

'Bowelscan testing kits are inexpensive and easy to use. Kits include detailed instructions.'

Distributed in pharmacies throughout Australia, each returned kit will be tested by an accredited pathologist and you will be notified of the results. Contact your local Rotary Club to locate the closest Bowelscan pharmacy to you.

You should not take the Bowelscan test:

• During your menstrual cycle

• When suffering haemorrhoids

• If you have open cuts on your hands

It is recommended if you have experienced any of the following recently, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, instead of taking the Bowelscan test:

• Rectal bleeding

• Change in bowel habit

• Persistent pain in the lower abdomen

Dietary adjustments for the Bowelscan test

When using a Bowelscan kit it is advised you avoid the following for three days prior to conducting the test:

• Eating red meat

• Consuming more than 250 mg of vitamin C per day (from all sources including dietary and supplemental)

• Supplementary tablets containing iron

It is also advised that you avoid high doses of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for seven days prior to and during testing period. However please consult a medical professional before discontinuing any prescribed medication.

It is recommended that you follow a high fibre diet during this time.

Suggestions of foods you can eat before and during taking the Bowelscan test include:

• Well-cooked chicken, turkey and tuna

• Fruit and most vegetables (except horseradish, rockmelon, raw turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, red radish, and parsnip)

• Bran and cereals containing bran

• Other high fibre foods like peanuts and popcorn

However if any of these foods are known to cause discomfort to you, please consult your doctor first.

It is helpful to discuss the test with the people you share meals with and encourage all adults over 40 in the household to do the test so that household meals can follow the recommended diet.

Instructions for taking the Bowelscan test

The test involves collecting three small samples from three consecutive bowel movements and applying these samples to the specially treated section of the test card, which reveals through pathology testing whether blood is present.

1. The test card has three tabs marked on one side. Write your name and phone number where marked, then open and complete the registration card, including the name of your usual doctor.

2. After the first bowel motion, use the applicator stick provided to collect the sample and apply a smear to the area of the testing card labelled: Box A (under the flap marked Tab 1). Repeat this step after the second and third bowel motions, applying the sample to Box B (Tab 2) and Box C (Tab 3) respectively.

3. Add the dates of when you collected each sample and sign the test card. Allow the samples to dry and then close the flaps and seal the card in the envelope.

4. Return the Bowelscan kit in the envelope to a participating pharmacy or Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Collection Centre for testing (please do not post it).

NOTE: All toilet cleaners and deodorisers need to be removed for the duration of the testing period.

Things to remember when returning the Bowelscan kit

• Return the kit within 14 days of using it (enclosed in the paper envelope of the Bowelscan kit)

• Check that your name, address, signature, doctor's name and date are filled in

• If you change address before you receive the results, please contact us with your new address

• Check you have signed and attached the pathology card to the Bowelscan test. Make sure this is correctly filled out as your Bowelscan kit will not be tested if the pathology card is not included or not signed.

Test results from the Bowelscan kit

Testing positive

A positive result from a Bowelscan kit means that a polyp or bowel cancer may be present and more extensive tests are required to confirm this result.

Most will not have cancer, but some may, and early diagnosis will greatly improve their chance of survival. Remember bowel cancer is 90% curable if the cancer is detected early.

Your nominated doctor will be informed by a Bowelscan medical coordinator within four weeks after the kit is returned and will advise you accordingly on the best course of action.

Testing negative

A negative result from a Bowelscan kit means that no blood was detected, however as not all polyps and cancers bleed with some bleeding intermittently, a negative result means that a significant bowel problem could still be present.

If you are currently experiencing rectal bleeding, a change of bowel habit or lower abdominal pain you are strongly advised to consult your local doctor. It is also recommended if you have a family history of the disease to have regular checkups with your doctor.

If you do test negative your results will be mailed to you within 8-10 weeks after the kit is returned. However if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of bowel cancer is advised that you consult with your doctor immediately.

Buy a kit. Use a kit. Return a kit.

You are never too young - Buy a Bowelscan kit and live to see tomorrow.


For further information about bowel cancer

Visit the following websites for further medical facts about bowel cancer.
www.bladderbowel.gov.au/
www.cancerscreening.gov.au