Only two in five older Australians are participating in the national bowel cancer screening program despite Australia having one of the highest rates in the world.
The program's 2017 monitoring report, released on Friday, shows eligible men are least likely to participate.
Cancer Australia CEO, Dr Helen Zorbas says the results are a concern given bowel cancer survival is significantly improved when the disease is detected and treated early.
"If detected at the earliest stage, the five year survival rate for bowel cancer is 93 per cent," Dr Zorbas said.
Bowel cancer incidence is increasing, with 16,682 people expected to be diagnosed in 2017, compared to less than 7000 in 1982.
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with, and die, from bowel cancer, and they are also less likely than women to participate in bowel cancer screening.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites eligible people aged 50 - 74 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home.
Dr Zorbas has urged people not to "hide" the test in the bottom drawer.
"Instead make it a priority. Complete the simple test and put it in the post. It could save your life."
SYMPTOMS OF BOWEL CANCER
* Bleeding from the rectum
* Anaemia
* Changes in bowel habit
* Abdominal pain or cramping
* Bloating
* Weight loss
* Unexplained fatigue
