The story, which appeared in the program’s news bulletin, highlighted the 4,444 people who falsely tested negative or inconclusive for bowel cancer when using defective Government-issued screening tests between May and December 2009. The news bulletin incorrectly featured vision of an Australian-developed bowel screening test manufactured by Enterix (Australia) and marketed as Inform (now known as InSure). This is the second time the station has incorrectly aired vision of the Inform test in relation to faulty test kits; the first during the Government recall in May 2009.
The InSure bowel screening test is a safe, reliable, Australian-made test that is independent of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
According to Ms Judy Readman, General Manager of Enterix (Australia), the incorrect vision aired this morning has caused considerable alarm among doctors, pharmacists and patients who have recommended or used the bowel screening test manufactured by Enterix.
“Since footage of the Inform test aired this morning, our customer service lines have been inundated with calls from people concerned that they could unwittingly be living with bowel cancer.
“The InSure test, available from GPs and pharmacies nationwide, has been proven to be a very effective screening test,” said Ms Readman.
“We have tested its accuracy in many thousands of people and have been very satisfied with its performance.
“We also know that this type of test, with its unique brush sampling method, is generally preferred by a lot of people,” Ms Readman said.
Enterix says it is important to understand the differences in the range of bowel screening tests available in Australia. The test recalled by the Government in May last year is manufactured by Japanese company, Fujirebio, imported by Siemans and distributed to the Government by Dorevitch Pathology.
“Also, the InSure test uses a patient-friendly brush sampling method from the toilet bowl water that requires no faecal handling and has no diet or medication-related restrictions. The Japanese-manufactured test provided by the Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program requires a little stick to be poked into the bowel action. The two tests employ different methods to develop the sample and obtain a result.”
“In 2009, Enterix performed more than 90,000 bowel cancer screening tests in Australia and exported more than half a million kits to the United States,” Ms Readman said
Those people who had screened with the Government-issued bowel cancer screening kit, are being advised to speak with their doctor or pharmacist about screening with an alternative kit.
Bowel cancer, Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, claims the lives of 80 Australians each week.
Annual screening tests have been shown to play a significant role in the early prevention and detection of cancer.
“Bowel cancer kills more Australian men and women each year than breast or prostate cancer, so regular screening is vital for people over 50,” said Ms Readman.
The InSure Bowel Screening test is available from GPs or pharmacies nation-wide, or by calling 1800 55 65 75. Those seeking more information about the test can visit www.boweltest.com.au.
