BOWEL CARE
 
 
 
Central Blue Mountains Rotary Club in association with several local pharmacies, participates in "BowelCare" each year.  "BowelCare" kits are distributed by the pharmacies at a nominal cost and any profits assist in other Rotary community projects.
 
BowelCare (formerly Bowelscan) is in its 25th year of service in Rotary District 9685. In order for the Program to continue its growth and benefit the community, all Clubs in our Rotary District are invited to promote bowel cancer awareness by participating in our BowelCare Program.

Object of BowelCare

1.   Develop a Community Awareness of the nature of Bowel cancer.
 
2.   Early detection of potential or actual bowel cancer.
 
NOTE: Rotary does not perform a medical service, we are creating Bowel Cancer awareness. We are not testing for Cancer, but rather for invisible blood in the stool, which if present may indicate a cancer, polyp or one of the many other diseases - there may be a cancer or polyp that does not bleed and therefore will not be picked up, but most cancers and polyps do bleed intermittently.

For those who do the program annually, 90% will be detected before it is too late.

The earlier a Cancer or Polyp is detected and treated, the better the outcome. 

Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign

CANCER OF THE LARGE BOWEL is the most common internal cancer in Australia.

One in 21 Australians will develop bowel cancer, equal for men and women. Age is a very important factor. The risk begins at age 40, doubling every 5 years until age 60 and even more rapidly as the person gets older.

Australia has the world highest incidence of bowel cancer. This year in Australia over 11,000 people will be detected with bowel cancer and over 4,600 deaths will result from bowel cancer. Indeed double our National road toll.

POLYPS are growths that occur in the lining of the bowel. Not all polyps develop into a cancer but most bowel cancers begin as polyps. They may or may not bleed and cause diarrhoea and pain. Because a polyp can develop into cancer, early diagnosis and removal is important.


HIGH RISK 

The risk of bowel cancer increases 3 to 4 times the average if:
 
►   One or more of your blood relatives have had bowel cancer or polyps
 
►   You previously had bowel cancer or polyps or an extensive inflammatory bowel disease (Cohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc).
 
►   You have a history of bleeding with or in the stool
 

Persons in any of the above categories or who are in doubt, should consult their doctor.