Local residents participating in Rotary’s lifesaving bowel cancer awareness initiative will benefit from the inclusion of Clinical Genomics tests in all Rotary branded bowel screening kits in 2016. This year, the partnership involving Rotary Bowelscan and BowelCare will see over 120,000 faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) manufactured by Clinical Genomics used as part of the Rotary Bowelscan and BowelCare programs in 2016. The FIT is one of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Gastroenterologist, Dr Howard Hope said the national inclusion of the Clinical Genomics test was an important next step for the already successful program. “Bowel cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer in Australia, but it is treatable if diagnosed early,” Dr Hope said. “Rotary encourages people to take that all important test. The Clinical Genomics test is based on the latest technology and has a very high sensitivity. This partnership provides a great service to Australians.” Rod Chippindale from BowelCare says working with Clinical Genomics helps streamline the process for Rotary. “Rotary volunteers work hard to distribute the kits to pharmacies across Australia,” he said. “The reporting of results will now be handled by Clinical Genomics who ensure participants and their doctors get results fast and efficiently. It’s a great outcome for everyone.” Clinical Genomics VP, Asia Pacific Warren Bingham says the ongoing partnership with Rotary is a cause of great pride as it aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection. “Since 2005 we have distributed more than twenty million tests globally. We are very pleased all Rotary program participants across Australia will be included in this figure,” he said. Clarence Valley Bowelscan availability Bowelscan kits are available from local participating pharmacies during May and from the Maclean Rotary caravan, River Street Maclean – May 12-14; Yamba Rotary stall at Yamba Shopping Fair & Yamba Street Yamba – May 12-14. Iluka/Woombah Rotary stall outside the Iluka Pharmacy – May 12,13,14 and 16; Chatsworth Island store in the morning – May 13; Grafton Rotary stall in Prince Street Grafton – May 12-13. Completed kits must be returned by post by Wednesday, June 1.