News

Rotary bowel scan kits go online

By Gianni Francis

May 2, 2022

Rotary fighting bowel cancer: Tatura Rotarian Rhonda Rose, Kyabram Rotarian Carol Howell, assistant district governor Laurie Fagan, Shepparton Rotarian Joseph Tam, Shepparton Central Rotarian Geoff Dobson, Mooroopna Rotarian Kelvin Rogash, South Shepparton Rotarian Belinda Liggins and district governor-in-waiting Neta Kirby. Photo by Annie Mellino

Rotary bowel cancer scan kits will no longer be available at local pharmacies, with distribution moving online.

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The decision to go completely digital was made because of efficiency, Tatura Rotary Club president Rhonda Rose said.

“Rotary used to order a whole lot, give it to pharmacies, and then any that weren’t sold, we used to have to return them and it was quite a convoluted experience,” she said.

“It’s just too much waste of time and money to do that.”

Now the kits are available to everyone online the Rotary website https://rotarybowelscan.com.au/ with more than 1000 already ordered across Victoria.

“It’s always been a very popular program,’’ Ms Rose said.

“It’s picked up a lot of cancers that wouldn’t have been picked up because the government only sends you one (kit) at certain ages.

“Anybody can buy one of these, you don’t have to be a certain age.”

Early detection is vital for treating bowel cancer and Rotary members are encouraging people to use the service.

“We have Rotary members in the district and people we know, personally, that have purchased a Rotary bowel scan kit before the government sends one and has picked up problems and been able to be treated early in the piece,” Ms Rose said.

“So it’s a very important program.”

The price of kits is $22 including postage.