HAMILTON Rotary has once again launched their annual Rotary Bowelscan campaign, encouraging locals to pick up a Bowelscan kit from James Dean Pharmacy now until mid-June.

The program, which was first established in Lismore in 1982, usually runs for the month of May, however, an initial supply issue meant the pharmacy will now continue to stock the kits until June 10.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer and claims the lives of 101 Australians weekly.

James Dean pharmacist and Hamilton Rotary environment committee co-chair, Gerri Griffin, said the program was extremely important and it was never too late to get screened.

“It’s the most treatable cancer with early detection,” she said.

 “It can affect all age groups, so people shouldn’t wait to test – I think it’s important that once the government ones (free bowel screens) stop (at age 70), that people still test from time to time. 

“$22 is not a lot in this day and age, when you think you might spend $15 down the street getting a sandwich.”

To purchase a Bowelscan kit, Ms Griffin said to simply ask the James Dean staff at their Gray Street location.

Ms Griffin said Hamilton Rotary had purchased around 100 tests this year but have sold around 300 in previous years, sighting the government’s proactive approach to bowel screens for people aged over 50 for the decline in local purchases.