But with more than 1000 bowel cancer deaths expected in South Western Sydney over next five years, the community is urged not to ignore the potentially live-saving test.

New figures from the Cancer Institute NSW show that by the end of 2021 a further 3200 people in South Western Sydney will be diagnosed with bowel cancer and 1040 will lose their life to the disease.

However, experts say it is possible to change these figures through a very simple test.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends a bowel cancer screening kit to all Australians aged 50 to 74 on a regular basis.

This kit, which can be done in a person’s home, can detect potential warning signs of bowel cancer at a very early stage, before symptoms develop.

This means people are more likely to be diagnosed at the earliest stages when the chances of survival are at their highest. In fact, for some, a positive result on a bowel cancer screening test can lead to changes being detected and treated before they turn into cancer.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Cancer Services Director Geoff Delaney said bowel cancer was the second most common cancer in the district and the second most common cause of cancer deaths.

“Early detection of bowel cancer is critical, if discovered early, the survival rate is relatively high,” Professor Delaney said.

Two thirds of the bowel cancer cases diagnosed in South Western Sydney have already spread by the time they are detected.

“I always explain to my patients that if bowel cancer is caught early enough, it is extremely treatable which is why screening is so important,” he said.

NSW chief cancer officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor David Currow said not to put the test off.

“The most important thing that a person can do to improve their chances of surviving a bowel cancer diagnosis is to have the cancer detected early. When you get your kit in the post, don’t put it off. It could save your life,” he said.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a free service. For more information and to check your eligibility, visit cancerscreening.gov.au or call 1800 118 868

If you have symptoms such as a persistent change in bowel habit, pain in your abdomen, bleeding, tiredness or weight loss, or if you are worried about your bowel health in any way, contact your doctor – don’t wait for a screening.