The Coeliac Society of Australia was targeting men during its week-long campaign last week and is encouraging them to get tested if they feel down constantly.

Research shows there’s an increasing incidence of the disease in men which is a cause for concern.

Dubbo Nutritionist Jennifer Price said diagnosis of coeliac disease in Dubbo is increasing “enormously” .

“When I first started eight years ago there were very few coeliacs now I’m seeing many newly diagnosed coeliacs each week,” she

said.

“I’m not sure if that’s because it’s more common these days or because there is more tests being conducted.”

Coeliac disease is one of the most under-diagnosed, yet most common chronic diseases and if left undiagnosed may lead to the possibility of severe consequences such as bowel cancer and osteoporosis.

Coeliac disease affects approximately one in 100 people in Australia but 75 per cent of people don’t know they have it.

Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues.

For people with coeliac disease this is triggered by gluten a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Members of the Dubbo branch of the NSW Coeliac Society manned a stall at the Orana Mall last week offering information and advice about the disease.

“I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease 20 years ago and there wasn’t much help back then now there is a lot you can do...it’s not all about eating rice cakes,” NSW Coeliac Society member Anne Prior said.

“ Testing is via a small bowel biopsy it sounds obtrusive but its not and I urge anyone who think they may be a coeliac to have a test,” she said.