The 60-year-old credits the Rotary Bowelscan campaign and his wife for saving his life.

Roweena Hutchings bought her husband a test kit after noticing his unusual bowel movements.

Despite experiencing no visible symptoms, Mr Hutchings returned a positive Bowelscan test result which prompted him to visit his doctor.

Bowel cancer was diagnosed following a colonoscopy.

An operation to remove the cancer took place in June last year and Mr Hutchings underwent a course of

chemotherapy, which was completed on New Year’s Eve.

“There is nothing to be embarrassed about – an easy, inexpensive test can save your life,” Mr Hutchings said.

“Bowel cancer is among the most curable cancers when detected early.”

Test kits can be purchased for $8 during March from selected pharmacies across regional and metropolitan

WA.

Rotary Bowelscan WA coordinator Jeff Cairns said the Bowelscan tests were confidential.

“The Rotary Bowelscan test is very simple to perform, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment,” Mr Cairns said.

“Recent problems relating to the Federal Government bowel cancer screening device have been reported in the

media – this device is in no way related to the Rotary Bowelscan test.

“While no test is 100 per cent accurate, the Rotary Bowelscan test is the most widely available and well-trialled test for symptoms of bowel cancer.”

Rotary Bowelscan uses faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening kits designed to discover blood passed from the bowel that is invisible to the naked eye.

People can use the test kit at home and return it to the pharmacy. For further information, or to find a participating pharmacy, visit www.catchcancer.org.au