Sydney Swans charity partner Jodi Lee Foundation has launched a new campaign as it continues in its fight against bowel cancer.

Degrees of Separation is a campaign featuring Jodi Lee Foundation patron Ita Buttrose, Sydney coach John Longmire, Swans young gun Isaac Heeney and figures from five other AFL clubs.

The campaign’s message is simple: take the time, take the test; it might just save your life.

Those aged 50-plus are encouraged to take a screening test every two years, with the government sending the assessment in the mail through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Whether your mother, father, grandmother, uncle or friend is affected by bowel cancer, there are often just two degrees of separation.

Longmire’s mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 58 and passed away at 63, while a test detected bowel cancer in Heeney’s grandfather about two years ago and he’s on the mend.

The test has Longmire’s full backing.

“It’s really important that people take the test,” Longmire said.

“They actually should have the conversation around the family table, just discuss it and be open about it.

“And when you turn 50, it’s very simple – take the test. It’s very easy to be treated if you get it nice and early enough.”

Heeney says taking the test is pivotal.

“It’s extremely important for people over 50 to take the screening test,” Heeney said.

“Early detection helps prevent bowel cancer and it might just save your life.”

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second-biggest killer but 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully if detected early.

To learn more about Jodi Lee Foundation's Degrees of Separation campaign, please click here.