Testing times lead to survival for victim of bowel cancer

Andrew Mathieson
David Bradshaw is proof the scourge of bowel cancer can put anyone on their backside – no matter how diligent about their health.
Mr Bradshaw, 72, says a bowel scan more than two decades ago proved positive but doctors removed the cancer so he could “live another hundred years”.
The Belmont resident made a pledge to etch a date into his diary every year for testing.
“Being a clean-living young man, I had no problems,” Mr Bradshaw says.
“Well, that was until last year.”
The latest dreaded phone call arrived while he was on holidays up north, confirming another outbreak of bowel cancer.
Another timely surgery helped him beat the disease again.
Mr Bradshaw believes his regular check-ups have prolonged his quality of life.
Now he advises everyone to participate in Rotary’s Bowel Scan Month, which encourages participants to pick up self-testing kits from chemists so medical staff can test samples for evidence of the disease.
“I recommend it to everyone I speak to – go and get it done,” Mr Bradshaw says.
“For the cost of $6, it could save a life.”
The Independent is a supporter of Rotary’s Bowel Scan Month in May.