TO mark an awareness campaign aimed to educate people about bowel cancer - the third most common type of cancer in the UK - Dr Dane Vishnubala of Jorvik Medical Practice has written about the symptoms..

Bowel cancer is a growth of abnormal cells, which can spread to other parts of the body. People can have several symptoms. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you should consider seeing your doctor:

• Have you had a change in bowel habit for longer than 6 weeks? (more constipated, or looser stools, going more often)

• Have you had bleeding from the back passage? (No others reasons such as piles, small tear or straining)

• Have you had persistent pain in your tummy?

• Have you felt a lump in your tummy that has not gone away?

• Have you lost weight that seems unusual and was not intended?

There are a number of different things that can increase or decrease your chances of getting bowel cancer. The following can reduce the risk of bowel cancer:

• Diet: Studies have suggested that eating high fibre foods as well as reducing the amount of red meat and process meat consumed can reduce bowel cancer risk.

• Weight: If you are overweight, reducing your weight will reduce your risk.

• Exercise: Physical activity decreases the risk of getting bowel cancer. You don’t have to join a gym to be active! We are privileged in York to have a wide range of parks and paths to walk and cycle- so use them!

• Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and high alcohol intake increase the risk of bowel cancer.

There is a government-screening programme in place for bowel cancer for those aged over 60 years. If you are eligible you will be sent a test kit through the post.

Bowel cancer will affect 5 per cent of us but by improving our lifestyle, by eating better, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking and taking more exercise we can reduce these risks.

If you are eligible for screening, please make sure you do it. Bowel cancer can be cured if caught early. Please do speak to your doctor if you are worried.