The Harrington Waters resident, 72, credits it with saving her life.

She hadn't intended to take the test and when asked by a friend whether she had purchased and used a Bowelscan kit she replied that she had not bothered as she had received a free one from the government a couple of years before.

"Having completed that test and with an assurance that all was well, I never thought further about the subject."

She received that clear result it her mid-60s, and her friend helped her realise it was longer ago than she thought.

"She stated that the test should be repeated annually for all over 40, to be sure of early detection of blood within the stool; a possible indicator that all may not be well."

Under that insistence, Yvonne and her husband bought and completed a kit.

RELATED STORY: May is Bowelscan month - A simple test that could safe your life: http://bit.ly/1fL75tT 

Around the same time she was looking forward to a highly anticipated and exciting four-week overseas holiday with her daughter.

Without any symptoms, warning signs and feeling fine, she expected no issues.

"I thought, I'm pretty healthy. I'll do the test, it's going to show nothing anyway."

But to her surprise, her kit came back with a positive result and Yvonne notified to undertake further investigation via a colonoscopy.

"The day prior to flying out of Australia, results came in showing I had early bowel cancer.

"Instead of holidaying I was in need of surgery."

Yvonne's daughter insisted they cancel the trip so her mum could look after herself.

"The surgery proved that I had two cancer polyps and four that were benign at that stage."

The cancerous section of her bowel was removed.

"As my cancer had been detected early enough, there was no need to follow-up with chemotherapy or radiation.

"I am so very grateful that we purchased and used the Rotary Bowlescan kits.

"Had I not taken these measures, my outcome would have been more invasive and very possibly fatal.

"I was one of the lucky ones."

Since Yvonne's recovery, she has enjoyed a cruise overseas and snorkelled with tropical fish - a dream which has become a reality due to her good health.

She's determined to keep a close watch on her health from now on and will be doing the Bowelscan test again this year plus has a scheduled check-up with her doctor.

"I feel confident that if everything is alright with the Bowelscan it will be fine".

In the meantime, it is hoped her story will encourage others to take their health into their own hands and have a test this year.

"Everyone should go and buy a Rotary Bowelscan kit no matter how old you are.

"I cannot thank Rotary enough for their annual Bowelscan program. This has saved my life, along with the lives of many others.

"I would not advise anyone to be blasé, but instead take wise measures to enhance their survival and not bring upon themselves necessary grief.

"The small cost in dollars and time is minuscule.

"You just never know," said Yvonne.

"If I hadn't had it with Rotary, goodness knows what would have happened."