A BOWEL cancer specialist from Basingstoke is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of the disease.

Steven Arnold, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Basingstoke hospital and the private BMI The Hampshire Clinic in Old Basing, made the plea during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

According to charity Beating Bowel Cancer, it is the second biggest cancer killer, affecting 33,000 people in England every year. But many people are unsure of the symptoms of the disease or are reluctant to talk to a health care professional.

Mr Arnold said: “I want people to understand the signs to look out for, and if they’re concerned about recent changes in their habits, to consult their GP.”

He added: “Over the years, I have treated many patients affected by bowel cancer, and the willingness of patients to speak openly and honestly about their symptoms can make a huge difference in their health outcomes.”

Symptoms to look out for include persistent changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the bottom without an obvious reason, and unexplained tiredness or weight loss.

Mr Arnold said most bowel cancer patients are over 50, but it can affect people of any age.

He added: “Bowel cancer in younger people is increasing, particularly in the under-30s, where it has increased by 120 per cent in the last decade.

“It is important that both males and females of all ages actively take responsibility for their own bowel health.”

Mr Arnold said anyone with a close relative who has had bowel cancer is more at risk of inheriting the disease, particularly if they are young when diagnosed.

He added: “Other factors, which may increase your chance of contracting bowel cancer, are a diet that is high in fat and red meat but low in fibre, fruit and vegetables.

“It is important to exercise regularly and to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.”

More than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years, compared with only six per cent of those diagnosed at a later stage.

The NHS actively screens for bowel cancer and recommends that everyone between the ages of 60 and 69 is screened every two years.

BMI Healthcare hospitals also provide screenings to any patient who has symptoms.