Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

More than nine in 10 will survive for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the first stage but only 15 per cent actually are.

That's because many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms - or are too embarrassed to see a doctor if they think they may have the disease.

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in faeces

A change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more

Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

Unexplained weight loss

A pain or lump in your tummy