THE NSW Cancer Institute is urging everyone aged 50-74 to complete and return their bowel cancer screening kits.
New research released by the institute has revealed over a third of adults believe bowel cancer is dirty and embarrassing.
According to research, embarrassment at the prospect of having the disease is preventing some people from actively seeking help or information.
Almost all respondents (98 per cent) agreed early treatment increased the chances of survival, but figures indicate only 34.5 percent of people are currently completing and returning screening kits that are sent to them.
NSW chief cancer officer David Currow expressed concerns embarrassment could be costing some people their lives.
"There is enormous stigma associated with bowel cancer that we need to be open about," Professor Currow said.
"Unlike many other cancers, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when diagnosed at an early stage."
Professor Currow stressed that early detection was the key to treating bowel cancer and urged people to take the screening test as soon as it arrived.
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in NSW.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a free service which mails screening kits to people aged 50-74 years.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit www.cancerscreening.gov.au or call 1800 118 868.
