Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK and when it comes to cancer deaths; it’s the second biggest killer.

NHS South Essex is supporting an important national cancer awareness campaign, to highlight the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign aims to increase cancer survival rates through early detection.

Bowel cancer affects both men and women. Most people diagnosed with the disease are over 50 and those with a family history of bowel cancer are more at risk.

People are being encouraged to seek advice and treatment if they believe they may have the symptoms of bowel cancer. The earlier symptoms are checked with a GP, the better the chance of successful treatment and survival.

How to spot it….For the last 3 weeks: • Has there been blood in your poo? • Has your poo been looser?

If you have experienced one of the above symptoms (in the last 3 weeks) you should visit your GP.

Other signs and symptoms can include: persistent change in bowel habits; bleeding from back passage; pain/discomfort in the abdomen; a lump in your abdomen; losing weight for no obvious reason.

Bowel problems are quite common and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have bowel cancer if you experience these symptoms; they could be symptoms of other conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles). However you should not try to diagnose yourself, you should visit your GP and if it isn’t serious your mind will be put at rest. If it is a serious condition, such as bowel cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed, the more treatable it is….. visiting your GP could save your life!