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The accuracy of results that were obtained as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program using kitsimported from Japan are now being questioned.

Rotary clubs also provide bowel cancer detection test kits, as part of their annual health program, but they are not related to those used by the Government.

Batemans Bay Rotary past president Bruce Gruber assisted in the delivery of the test kits that were sold in local pharmacies during March and April. He said their kits have been used for many years and will continue to be.

“It is just a Rotary health program that we run and ... everyone over 40 should look at having a test done each year,” he said.

“The (kits) that the Rotary organisation uses ... come from the United States called Hemoccult II.

“It’s been on the international market for 40 years and is widely used throughout the world.”

There were 475,000 participants that took the Government’s test that is in question. Each one of these individuals will be contacted and will be provided with a new and reliable test, according to the Minister.

“I would like to reassure the community, and specifically those who have participated in the early detection program, that a number of step are now being taken to ensure the integrity of the program,” Ms Roxon said.

“The department has identified this problem early and taken immediate action, and will take all necessary steps to remedy the situation over the coming weeks.”

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia.